Tributes are pouring in today for an Ayrshire teenager who has passed away.
Warren Graham, who is also known as the Killie Piper, died on Tuesday.
The 17-year-old is known for his incredible bagpipe playing all over Kilmarnock, attending countless events since a young age.
While still a pupil at Grange Academy, the youngster would delight many by walking into Kilmarnock town centre playing the instrument.
Described as an "amazing young man", the teenager's death has shocked many community groups and individuals in the town.
Kilmarnock Pipe Band posted on Facebook today: "The band have been absolutely devastated by the loss of Oor Warren, The Killie Piper.
"He was one of those special people you meet in life, who had no idea how much of an impact he made on everyone around him. He was super smart and always had a funny quip or cheeky comment to roast the pipe major, bringing joy and laughter to us all.
"He was a big supporter of Scottish independence, Scots Leid and Kilmarnock Football Club, but he was never happier than when playing his bagpipes, and was rarely seen without them. He was a fantastic player and had such great potential not just as a player, but also as an instructor as he had recently started as a trainee instructor with our feeder programme.
"Showing solidarity with Warren was the inspiration behind our ‘Walk to the Worlds’ fundraiser, in which we raised money towards local mental health charity Beautiful Onside & Out. We’re devastated that Warren didn’t feel able to reach out for help, and implore anyone facing a similar struggle to please reach out to family, friends or professionals.
"The world is a darker place to be missing such an amazing young man and our band will never be the same without him.
"We send our condolences and love to Warren’s parents, brothers and sister, and ask you all to check in on those you love and hold them extra tight.
"He was and always will be Ayrshire‘s Finest. Rest easy buddy, we’ll never forget you."
As well as being a huge loss to the pipe band scene, Warren was also a massive Kilmarnock fan.
In 2020, he piped fans of German club Kaiserslautern, who were over visiting, to Rugby Park.
A picture of Warren playing outside the Robert Burns memorial in Kilmarnock was posted on his piping Facebook page and simply said: "Warren Graham 04/12/04 — 25/01/22".
And EPIC East Ayrshire Pipe Band Academy said the young man will be sorely missed by everyone.
They posted on Facebook: "We have been absolutely devastated by the loss of Warren Graham, the Killie Piper.
"Warren joined EPIC as a trainee instructor last term and was showing great potential as a teacher, as well as being a huge source of inspiration for our young people.
"We were immensely proud of him and the students all really enjoyed his lessons. He will be sorely missed and his loss keenly felt by us all.
"We send our heartfelt condolences to Warren’s family and ask you all to check in on those you love.
"We ask all parents to make sure the students who worked with Warren are given support at this time as this is such a difficult loss to take and will come as a huge shock.
"Warren you will always be EPIC and so sorely missed. Sleep easy buddy."
One mourner added: "I'm in shock. Absolutely gutted to hear this. I wish strength to his family, friends and all whose lives he touched!"
Another wrote: "Devastated! I loved when I coincided with him playing his pipes as he walked home from school! A real character! So sad."
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