A 10-year-old Scottish bagpiper has become an honorary member of the Fire Department New York's pipe band after busking for 6 months to pay for flights so he could take part in the Young Scots' pipe band brings Grand Central Station in New York to standstill parade.
Josh Bruce, from Peterhead, played on the streets of his hometown and in Aberdeen city centre so he could raise cash to get to New York and take part in yesterday's showpiece, which will be led by Sir Billy Connolly as Grand Marshal.
The youngster, who starting piping when he was 5, would wow crowds with traditional tunes mixed in with takes on modern favourites, including Avicii’s “Wake Me Up”.
And Josh uses a set of a very special set of 343 Red Hot Chilli Piper Wallace Pipes.
Only 343 were made – one for each of the firefighters who lost their lives at the World Trade Center on 9/11.
A portion of every set sold goes towards the Fallen Firefighter Foundation charity .
When he touched down in the US ahead of the celebrations, Josh was surprised by members of the FDNY who revealed they'd made him an honorary member of their Emerald Society Pipe Band thanks to his fundraising effort.
Footage shows Billy Connolly bursting with pride as he leads Tartan Day Parade in New York
He was also presented with a personalized jacket.
Speaking before the event, Josh Bruce said: “I’m over the moon. I was already so excited to be taking part in the New York City Tartan Day Parade and to be made an honorary member of the Fire Department New York Emerald Society Pipe Band is a dream come true.
"I can’t wait to march with pride alongside the band at tomorrow’s parade.”
Pipe Major, Jim Lee, said: “Josh should be commended for his work and commitment to his culture and country. The Fire Department of New York Emerald Society Pipes and Drums are proud to have Josh as an honorary member.”
More than 3,000 participants including Highland dancers, pipe bands, solo pipers and drummers, Scottish clans and Scottish dogs followed the Big Yin along Manhattan's Sixth Avenue in the blazing sunshine.
Young Scots' pipe band brings Grand Central Station in New York to standstill
Sir Billy, 76, accepted the role as Grand Marshal for the 21st Tartan Day Parade, despite announcing in December he would retire from touring.
He said: "I’ve absolutely loved being Grand Marshal of this year’s New York City Tartan Day Parade.
"The crowds were brilliant and hearing the skirl of the pipes echoing along Sixth Avenue made me dance a wee jig in my heart. What a day.”
