A HOMELESS woman has gone viral after locals spotted her showcasing her talent for the bagpipes during a busking session in Edinburgh.
Beverley Smith, who was spotted playing the bagpipes outside Uniqlo on Princes Street, has been the centre of attention as locals plan to raise money to help her out of poverty.
The local took to Facebook to share details about her living situation, as some were divided over her backstory.
Images of Beverley show her mid-performance with onlookers and passersby tuned in to her efforts.
Unlike the usual pipers seen on the streets of the Scottish capital though, Beverley isn’t clad in a kilt or bearskin or the likes.
Instead, she wears normal getup such as a jacket and cotton tracksuit bottoms, and stands tucked into an alcove next to Uniqlo.
In a post on social media last Sunday, a passerby stated: “So, yesterday while in Edinburgh town I had the absolute privilege of hearing this homeless busker play her bagpipes.
“If anyone knows her, please let her see this, cos (sic) she absolutely made my day yesterday.”
The post gained over 4,200 likes and more than 810 comments, with some even asking her to play at their weddings and events.
One user said: “I need a piper for my wedding 2026 if she would like to play? Obviously I’ll pay her the rate.”
Another commented: “My daughter saw her yesterday as well. Said she was brilliant.”
However, a third remarked: “Don’t need a kilt to play the pipes, very much doubt she was homeless, a wee bit of embellishments I think.”
Another questioned: “What does someone who is homeless look like I wonder?”
Since then, Beverly and her family have taken to clearing up the discourse around her living situation online.
In a comment on the original post, she stated: “Just a wee post for anyone who really cares. I am in fact sadly homeless.
“You don’t have to be on the streets to be homeless. I am in a hostel.
“I have had family and friends help me out. I think I’ve worn their sofas out. At some point I’ve had to find other options.
“We all need our own space at times and when you’re living in someone else’s home, no matter whether family or friend, there’s no personal space.
“My time when I am busking is not just about the money, this is my time for me where I can play my pipes all day if I choose.
“I can’t play them where I sleep as the instrument is so loud. So please, no one knows people’s story (sic) so don’t judge.”
Beverley’s niece Abbigail Bonner also added: “My auntie Bev. I have the privilege of hearing my auntie play in my garden.
“She totally deserves people acknowledging her talent.
“We as her family know her background and she doesn’t need to prove it to anyone on here.
“We trust she will overcome this period in her life.”
The user who originally shared the image of Beverley has now organised a GoFundMe page to raise money for her and others in need.
The “Secret Santa” fundraiser has reached £405 of its £1,300 goal at the time of writing, since being put up on Monday (2 DEC).
The description says: “I want to help Beverley, I know you do too.
“Let’s change not only her life, but if we could raise enough, I know a lot of families struggling that would love Santa to leave a little gift on their doorstep!”
