Scottish piper, Jennifer Hutcheon was escorted across Charleroi airport by armed police officers and soldiers after playing tribute to her grandfather, 100 years after his death in World War I, the Daily Record reported.

The news comes after Ryanair announced that it would be “strictly enforcing” baggage rules last week due to overhead locker space limitations.

Hutcheon, 67, told the Daily Record: “The local Ryanair crew member completely went overboard when I refused to let him take my bagpipes and I removed a sticker he put on my bag.

“The next thing is that two police officers and two soldiers with big guns are telling me to leave the queue and they marched me across the airport to some offices.”

Following the ordeal, Hutcheon and her friend slept overnight in the airport and purchased new one-way tickets with Ryanair, costing a total of £472.33.

A spokesperson for Ryanair told the Daily Record: “This customer was one of the last to board the aircraft and, in line with our cabin baggage policy, was asked to place her bag in the hold as the overhead lockers were full, but refused and became disruptive.

"Local police were called and removed the individual from the terminal.

“The safety and comfort of our customers, crew and aircraft are our number one priority and we will not tolerate unruly or disruptive behaviour at any time.”