Pupils from North Lanarkshire Schools’ pipe bands became overnight social media stars after an online clip was viewed more than two million times.
The footage of the youngsters playing Scotland the Brave and Rowan Tree to hundreds of people at Grand Central Station in New York went viral after it was posted by the council's education convener Frank McNally.
Pipe Major Ross Cowan said: “It’s our first time in New York and we wanted to make the most of it.
“Grand Central Station is one of the busiest spots in Manhattan so we figured what better place to give the locals a taste of Scotland ahead of our appearance at the New Your City Tartan Day Parade.
“We certainly attracted quite the crowd!”
Fifty two pipers and drummers from secondary schools across North Lanarkshire took part in the parade along the city’s Sixth Avenue on Saturday 6 April in front a crowd of 30,000 people.
Calderhead High School pupil Mackenzie Forrest said: “It was an incredible experience being in New York and taking part in the parade in front of so many people. We are amazed at the reaction to the video – we can’t believe how many people have seen it.”
Sir Billy Connolly led the parade in the role as Grand Marshall.
He said: “The crowds were brilliant and hearing the skirl of the pipes echoing along Sixth Avenue made me dance a wee jig in my heart.”
