SPACE

ASTRONAUT Kjell Lindgren played the bagpipes aboard the International Space Station to honour a scientist who had died.

The Taiwan-born 44-year-old piped Amazing Grace to recognise research scientist Victor Hurst, who had helped train astronauts for space travel.

Kjell is believed to be the first person to play the instrument in space.

The set was made for him by McCallum Bagpipes at the firm’s factory in Kilmarnock.

Kenny Macleod, who works at McCallum, said: “He got in touch and asked if it was feasible to play bagpipes in space. They are made of plastic and are easier to keep clean to make sure they are not contaminated. They are also lighter.”