Some of Scotland’s best-known musicians have teamed-up to record a special single and video in tribute to NHS workers fighting coronavirus.
The video will be released on Thursday, just after the third 8pm ‘Clap for Carers’ event, with the track, Everyday Heroes, going live at midnight on all streaming and download platforms.
All proceeds from the release will go towards the NHS Charities Covid-19 Urgent Appeal.
The tune was written by piper Martin Gillespie who, along with brother Daniel, is one of the founder members of contemporary Scots band Skerryvore.
The group were joined by 20 other musicians from Tide Lines, Peat and Diesel and Mànran, as well as other well-known figures – among them former Downing Street press secretary Alastair Campbell, who plays the pipes.
Because of the lockdown, the single and video were recorded remotely, in isolation, at various locations.
Martin, who pulled together the track in just a week, said he was inspired to write it by the bravery and commitment of frontline NHS staff and volunteers during the pandemic.
It is hoped the track will raise a considerable amount for the charity as the band, originally from Tiree and now based in Glasgow, have a huge following across the UK and overseas.
Martin said: “I’ve written ‘Everyday Heroes’ to pay tribute to the hundreds of thousands of NHS staff, volunteers and key workers who are risking so much to fight Covid-19 and keep us all safe.
“Music is a source of comfort during difficult times and I hope this emotional, uplifting tune will raise a few smiles.
“All proceeds will go to the NHS Charities Covid-19 Urgent Appeal and we would ask everyone to give it a listen and support this worthy cause.
“The response and support from other musicians and special guests has been fantastic.
“Everyone worked so hard to turn the track around in a matter of days and I’m grateful to all of them for collaborating with us on this fundraiser.
“Hopefully when we are through this crisis, we can perform the track for NHS staff in person, but for now we hope they enjoy this tune written in their honour.”
Daniel added: “It would be nice if the first live performance of the track was for NHS staff, given the tune was written for them.
“We can look at that when the time is right, but at the moment the most important thing for everyone is to support the NHS by staying at home.
“Hopefully this track can raise further awareness of that and the charity fund to support our NHS staff.”
Those appearing in the video include all members of Skerryvore; Innes Scott, from Peat and Diesel; BBC Take the Floor Presenter and member of Mànran, Gary Innes; Robert Robertson, from Tide Lines; Harry Richards, from the Red Hot Chilli Pipers; Skipinnish’s Rory Grindly; and Ian Smith and Seonaidh Macintyre from fellow Tiree band Trail West.
Other special guests will be unveiled with the video release.
The track was arranged, mixed and mastered by Scott Wood of Skerryvore and is released on Tyree Records.
Scott created a guide track from his home studio, Oak Ridge Studios, which was sent to the contributors so they could record their parts.
Donation for the NHS Charities Covid-19 Urgent Appeal can be made at: virginmoneygiving.com/fund/NHSCharitiesCOVID19.