Ben Nevis hikers treated to unexpected bagpipe performance by ’90-year-old’ man at summit of mountain

HIKERS reaching the summit of Ben Nevis were treated to a surprise as they were met by a bagpipe performance from a “90-year-old” man. 

Footage shared online yesterday shows the bloke playing to a crowd gathered around the top of the highest mountain in the UK. 

With the climb itself being no mean feat, the OAP having the energy to play bagpipes at the end of it was met with applause and cheers from the audience – even if some of the notes were a bit iffy. 

Video shows the rocky area at the summit filled with people in walking gear, many of them also filming. 

The air is thick with mist, obscuring most of the surroundings. 

It becomes apparent what they are pointing their phones at, as the footage zooms in on an older man leaning against the trig point atop a rocky outcrop, holding a set of bagpipes. 

Wearing a coat, trousers and a military cap, he takes a few test puffs before launching into a tune. 

A young man can be seen crouched at his feet, recording him from up close and the crowd start cheering and clapping as he gets into a rhythm. 

A slight wobble in the middle, possibly an effect of the temperature, has them laughing, but he doesn’t break his stride. 

He brings his tune to an end, with his admirable efforts receiving loud whoops and applause from the walkers. 

The footage was shared to social media yesterday with the caption: “Amazing.” 

It has since received over 2,300 likes and more than 40 comments from Scots sharing their reactions. 

One wrote: “Not just the climb with his bagpipes, but the fact he was able to play any tune with cold fingers. Well done sir.” 

Another quipped: “He lives up there, he’s the keeper of the Ben.” 

A third commented: “New side quest: complete all Munros while bagpiping.” 

A fourth said: “Built different.” 

Another was less positive: “Imagine after probably a four hour climb up the biggest mountain in the UK you get bloody bagpipes at the top on top of nae views due to the cloud and rain, brutal.”