A LARGS drummer has found the perfect beat to help the Waverley celebrate her 75th birthday.

Callum Edwards has joined a host of Scottish talent to release a charity single entitled 'A Diamond Waltz for Waverley'.

Callum, who is a drummer with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, is also be joined by Largs Boys' Brigade Pipe Band on the single which aims to help raise cash for the world's last sea-going paddle steamer.

The Gogo Street musician, is originally a drummer for the BB Pipe Band and continues to work closely with them.

The 24-year-old has been without work for months because of the pandemic and says the new single was a perfect pick me up.

He told the News: "It's been a tough time, but I really enjoyed playing on this. It's such a great cause.

"I joined the Red Hot Chilli Pipes through a chance encounter with a band member in a pub in Glasgow on the week of the World Band Championships and have performed now in America, Japan and Ghana. It is amazing seeing the crowd reaction in places like Kentucky and Ohio - people really love hearing us perform famous tunes such as 'We Will Rock You' and 'Eye of the Tiger'."

Callum has spent lockdown being busy in the recording studio mixing tracks but said he can't wait to getting back to performing live as restrictions finally ease.

The Waverley project proved a welcome distraction as you joined young local pipers Allan Wilson, Bob Deuchar, Connor Muirhead, Findlay Muirhead, Douglas Moir, Harris Creighton and Rhys Franchetti, all from the 1st Largs Boys' Brigade Band, on the track.

With family ties to the Waverley, including his grandad playing accordion on the ship for many years, Callum was compelled to help raise funds to keep the famous vessel in operation.

He said: “The Waverley is very special to me and my family. No other traditional pleasure steamer can access the spectacular UK coastline like Waverley and what better way to enjoy being on the water?

“To keep sailing into the future she must attract a younger audience and I hope our contemporary approach to an old-time waltz reflects the younger generations supporting the future of the ship.

"My grandad and dad has worked in the purser's office and engine room so I have been on and off the ship my entire life."

Waverley’s general manager Paul Semple said: “I am delighted that so much Clyde coast talent has come together to produce this single to mark such a significant milestone in Waverley’s career."

A Diamond Waltz for Waverley was recorded at Brookwood Recording in Largs and is now available to download on all the usual platforms.