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About Runrig

LOVE ARRAN

3rd June 2024: Unveiling The Runrig Experience – A Musical Journey Celebrating Runrig’s Legacy, Isle of Arran Show 

In the wake of the unprecedented challenges that befell the music industry during the 2020 lockdown, one passionate musician, Richie Muir, embarked on a unique project that would soon evolve into the Runrig Experience. Born out of a profound love for the Scottish Celtic Rock band ‘Runrig,’ this professional tribute band promises an authentic celebration of Runrig’s timeless music. 

The anticipation is palpable, especially for the Isle of Arran show scheduled for Monday, 3rd June, at Lochranza Village Hall.

Table of Contents:

The Genesis of the Runrig Experience: 

Richie Muir, an Edinburgh singer/guitarist and lifelong Runrig enthusiast, seized the opportunity presented by the lockdown to launch a Facebook page dedicated to acoustic covers of Runrig classics. Teaming up with band manager Ben Marshall, the concept of a live show honouring Runrig’s legacy was conceived. This was not to be a conventional ‘look-a-like’ tribute but a heartfelt celebration of the band’s contributions to the music industry, Scotland, and the lives of their fans.

The Runrig Experience-Isle of Arran (1)

Building the Band: 

Three months into the project, the Runrig Experience was taking shape, with a lineup featuring Skye native Duncan MacDonald on bass, his London-based Glaswegian son Scott on drums, and the immensely talented Jason Laing from the Isle of Lewis on guitars. The addition of keyboards completed the ensemble, and while the role of percussionist remains open, temporary percussionists are poised to fill the void for scheduled live shows. The band’s collaboration was not hindered by geographical distances, as they utilised Zoom and other technologies to refine their craft and create an authentic setlist.

The Runrig Experience-Isle of Arran (4)

The Runrig Experience Unleashed: 

Fast forward 12 months, and the band felt the time was right to unveil ‘The Runrig Experience’ and ‘Beat The Drum.’ The project, carefully nurtured during the challenges of the pandemic, is set to embark on a Spring Tour 2024, with Lochranza Village Hall in the Isle of Arran being one of the eagerly anticipated stops on Monday, 3 June.

The Runrig Experience-Isle of Arran (2)

A Noteworthy Celebration: 

The Runrig Experience is not about filling the void left by Runrig’s retirement but about creating a platform where fans can come together to enjoy, sing, dance, and relive the magic of anthems like Loch Lomond, Rocket To The Moon, Every River, Greatest Flame, and Hearts of Olden Glory. Richie Muir and Ben Marshall emphasize that the goal is to provide an unforgettable experience that pays homage to Runrig’s significant impact.

Connect with the Runrig Experience: 

For those eager to catch a glimpse of the Runrig Experience, their YouTube channel, Beat The Drum – The Runrig Experience , offers a sneak peek into the musical journey that awaits. Stay tuned for updates and immerse yourself in the celebration of Runrig’s extraordinary legacy.

The Runrig Experience-Isle of Arran (3)

Conclusion: 

As the Runrig Experience prepares to hit the stage, fans can look forward to a unique blend of musical authenticity and heartfelt celebration. The Isle of Arran show on 3rd June at Lochranza Village Hall promises to be a captivating experience, inviting everyone to ‘Dance Again’ and relive the magic of Runrig’s timeless anthems.

Frequently Asked Questions About Runrig.

1. what is runrig / who is runrig .

Runrig was a Scottish Celtic rock band formed on the Isle of Skye in 1973. The band’s original members included brothers and songwriters Rory MacDonald (bass, vocals) and Calum MacDonald (percussion). They played a significant role in blending folk and rock music, with lyrics often focusing on Scottish locations, history, politics, and people.

2.  What is Runrig in Scotland?  

In Scotland, Runrig is a term that refers to a pre-agricultural revolution farming practice known as “run rig.”

3.  What happened to the lead singer of Runrig?  

The original lead singer, Donnie Munro, left the band in 1997 to pursue a career in politics. Bruce Guthro replaced him. Unfortunately, Bruce Guthro passed away on September 5, 2023, from cancer.

4.  What instruments did Runrig play?  

The band played a variety of instruments, with the typical lineup including bass, vocals, percussion, guitar, drums, and keyboards.

5.  How long were Runrig together?  

Runrig was together for over four decades, forming in 1973 and officially disbanding in 2018.

6.  Where did the name Runrig come from?  

The name “Runrig” refers to a pre-agricultural revolution farming practice known as “run rig.”

7. Who was the last lead singer of Runrig?

Bruce Guthro was the last lead singer of Runrig, replacing Donnie Munro in 1998.

8. Who was the original singer of Runrig?

The original singer of Runrig was Donnie Munro.

9. How long was Donnie Munro in Runrig?

Donnie Munro was part of Runrig from 1974 until 1997, when he left to pursue a career in politics.

10. When did Runrig split?

Runrig officially split in 2018 after a farewell tour titled “The Last Dance.”

11. How many records did Runrig sell?

The exact number of records sold is not known, but Runrig achieved significant success, especially during their most successful period in the 1980s and 1990s. It is thought to have been over 2 million albums worldwide. They also had top 5 records in the UK, Germany and Denmark. 

12. Why did Runrig split?

The band announced their retirement from studio recording after the release of their 14th studio album, “The Story,” and embarked on a farewell tour called “The Final Mile” in 2017. They officially disbanded after the tour.

13. Have Runrig disbanded?

Yes, Runrig officially disbanded in 2018 after their farewell tour, “The Final Mile.”

14. When was Runrig’s last dance?

Runrig’s last dance, titled “The Last Dance,” took place in August 2018 in Stirling City Park beneath the castle ramparts.

15. Are Runrig still performing?

No, Runrig is not performing anymore. They officially disbanded after their farewell tour.

16. When did Runrig retire?

Runrig announced their retirement in 2017, and their farewell tour, “The Final Mile,” took place in 2017-2018.

17. How did Bruce Guthro join Runrig?

Bruce Guthro joined Runrig in 1998 as the lead singer, replacing Donnie Munro.

18. How long was Bruce Guthro with Runrig?

Bruce Guthro was with Runrig from 1998 until the band’s retirement in 2018

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When lockdown hit in 2020, few people knew the impact that the pandemic would have on the music industry across the UK. Musicians, producers and managers up and down the land found themselves with time on their hands like they never had before. Instead of back to back road schedules they found themselves with days of empty diaries as venues, theatres and concert halls closed their doors on mass.

One such musician was Richie Muir, an Edinburgh singer/guitarist based in Nottingham but most importantly of all, a huge, lifelong Runrig fan.

During lockdown, Richie launched a Facebook page, dedicated to acoustic covers of Runrig songs from across the decades and before long, combined with the band manager Ben Marshall, the concept of a live show celebrating the music of Runrig was born and wheels were in motion.

“From the start, we didn’t want to be a ‘look-a-like’ type tribute band. We wanted the show to be a celebration of the band’s music. Yes we wanted it to sound authentic and to represent what the band was about but this isn’t about replacing the void left by them. It’s about celebrating their music and their incredible contribution to the music industry, Scotland as a whole and the tiny, significant moments in the lives of their fans. We wanted to create a show where people could come along, enjoy themselves, sing, dance, celebrate and remember and I think we’ve really done that”

Ben Marshall

  “We hope you enjoy the show as much as we have done creating it”

Richie Muir

Three months into the search for members and the band was nearly complete. With Skye native Duncan MacDonald on Bass and his London based Glaswegian son Scott on drums joined by the insanely talented Jason Laing (Isle of Lewis) on guitars, the lineup behind lead singer and frontman Richie Muir was nearing completion and with the addition of keyboards, things were ready to roll, meaning that rehearsals could begin. Although the role of percussionist had and remains yet to be filled permanently, a number of temporary percussionists are lined up to complete the band for the live shows scheduled and represent the essential sonic contribution made by Runrig’s percussionist Calum MacDonald.

Although Richie was Nottingham based and Scott London, geography, even during COVID times, didn’t prove an obstacle as the band used Zoom and other technologies to refine parts, craft a set list and plan everything before days of rehearsals took place in a bid to create the standards of authenticity that the project demanded.  

Fast forward 12 months and restrictions were lifted to a degree that everyone felt the time was right to unleash ‘The Runrig Experience’ and ‘Beat The Drum’

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I have been very enthusiastic about runrig since first hearing them. I was naturally enthusiastic about their new album The Story and the concert to follow.

We got treated to James Mckenzie who was great and started the night off well.

Runrigs set started off with 2 new songs, Onar and the years we shared which were great to hear live. Other fan favourites followed including may morning, beat the drum and every river which the audience sung the first verse and chorus of! It was good to hear new stuff including the title track, the story brilliantly sung by Rory McDonald. Also hearing harvest moon for the first time with Bruce, having not been performed for over 20 years was great. Naturally Loch Lomond had everyone on their feet from start to finish and had everyone singing at the top of their lungs!

Brilliant night, runrig are amazing!

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colin-bodie’s profile image

Saw Runrig in Portsmouth and London last year. Both concerts amazing as always. London venue was standing but we were next to the bar and could see really well so had its compensations. If you get a chance to see them do go, they are as wonderful now as when I first saw them over 20 years ago. Suzy

susan-nichols’s profile image

Absolutely amazing show, the guys were

Out of this world and I'm pleased I got to be part of their last night.

Only glitch was the parking, show finished at 11 didn't get out of the car park until 12.15, it could of been better organised. Other than that runrig will always be the best x

claire-tarn’s profile image

I attended the concert at Glasgow Royal concert hall on the 11/02/2016 for the Runrig the story tour and what a good concert it was and the venue was nice and it was a good night and the sound was good. I didn't want the night to end but when Runrig play there again I be there.

raymond-taylor-1’s profile image

Second time for us at Ipswich. Whole show was fantastic. The visuals really added another dimension. Really moving. Great gig chaps. Loved it!! Also enjoyed support act

Really hope we get to see you again. The Open in Norwich would be perfect venue

sue-chapman-1’s profile image

Absolutely fantastic.. one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to. It was a privilege to be at their last show. Brilliant musicians, vocalists and really down to earth individuals. Runrig will be missed but fondly remembered by all.

grumpygeorge’s profile image

An amazing but emotional night, meeting up with friends, standing together singing along, tears and the crowd singing after the band had left the stage for the last time.

Thank you Runrig it was a fantastic evening.

linda-brown-20’s profile image

What a wonderful final ending to a fantastic band,

The setting, visuals, compassion and and the fantastic heartfelt music.

They will be missed.

Have a wonderful retirement you deserve it.

steve-malcolm’s profile image

Fantastisk aften, høj stemning og masser af sange man kunne synge med på.

En af de bedste koncerter jeg har været med til.

Et værdig afsked med det RUNRIG

Tak for Musikken

johnny-olsen’s profile image

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Runrig put their stamp on new Inverness musical

  • Published 15 July 2022

The Stamping Ground

Four years after their final gig, veteran Scottish rockers Runrig's music is being celebrated in a new musical.

Runrig's songs, many of them sung in Gaelic, span more than four decades and the band has a large and loyal following across Scotland and the rest of Europe.

The band enjoyed UK chart success in the 1990s and in 2018 sold-out their final performances, the two-day The Last Dance - Farewell Concert in Stirling.

Runrig's music is now hitting the stage at Inverness' Eden Court in the musical The Stamping Ground.

It is a story about a couple returning home to the Highlands to give their teenage daughter the chance of a fresh start.

The Stamping Ground

Director Luke Kernaghan said the production had certain responsibilities to be met.

"You want the Runrig fans to love it, but also you want to make sure the people who don't know the Runrig songs to really fall in love with the songs, the characters and story," he said.

Runrig: 'The unlikeliest of rock icons'

Producer Margaret-Anne O'Donnell said the musical was "unapologetically joyful".

She said: "It is just the type of production to get people out to celebrate life, having a good laugh and a good cry.

"And what better subject matter to do it with than Runrig songs, which are just gorgeous narratives and little poems. They paint a picture of life and relationships, love and landscape."

Runrig

Members of Runrig - songwriting brothers Calum and Rory Macdonald - have been to a rehearsal and director Kernaghan said the atmosphere had "crackled with excitement".

He added: "They were so respectful. They didn't want to step on our toes at all. But you could feel the electricity as they came in."

Cast members Malcolm Cumming and Annie Grace said there would be something for everyone within the musical.

Cumming said: "There are really punchy musical moments, sometimes with Gaelic songs. Hearing the language punch through like that is really exciting."

Grace said: "We haven't lost the essence of the songs. We have not messed with the melodies or words. We've kept them as they are, we've just put an extra dimension to them."

The Stamping Ground

The show is a co-production between Eden Court and Raw Material and while it is being staged in Inverness, Kernaghan hopes it might eventually be performed elsewhere.

Runrig were founded in 1973, taking their name from a historic system of farming that was used for hundreds of years in the Highlands and Islands.

In 1991, the band played to 50,000 people at a music festival at Balloch Country Park on the shores of Loch Lomond.

And in 1995 the track An Ubhal as Airde reached number 18 in the UK charts.

Over the years,Runrig teamed up with some of the biggest names in the business, playing support to U2, The Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart and Genesis.

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  • Published 17 August 2018

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Major scottish band set to appear at 'scotland’s biggest night of traditional music', runrig to play glasgow's the hoolie in the hydro.

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A major Scottish band are set to play at 'Scotland’s biggest night of traditional music' in Glasgow this December. 

Runrig is set to make an appearance at this year's The Hoolie in the Hydro, which has been described as 'the single biggest night of traditional music to have ever taken place in Scotland'.

With an all-star line-up of some of the top names in Scottish music, Hoolie in the Hydro will return to The Ovo Hydro on Saturday, December 9.

Organised by Gary Innes, the line-up for the musical celebration includes Scottish supergroup Mànran, Celtic rockers Wolfstone, festival favourites Trail West, and social media singing sensation Nati Dreddd.

The iconic Runrig drummer Iain Bayne will lead the celebration, with legendary singer Julie Fowlis, to celebrate Scottish Celtic band Runrig’s incredible 50th-anniversary milestone.

Hoolie in the Hydro organiser, broadcaster and musician Gary Innes, said: "The reaction to the first Hoolie in the Hydro was just phenomenal – there was such a party atmosphere on the night and it was incredible to see the reaction from the audience as they watched some of their favourite bands and musicians perform for the first time in our country’s largest arena.

"The amazing feedback and instant demand after the concert showed me that the appetite was very much there to come together to make history once again.

"So, here we are for a second year with a fantastic line-up and I am personally over the moon to get the opportunity from Runrig to celebrate their 50th anniversary.

"It will be yet another amazing night to remember."

Julie Fowlis added: "It’s so exciting to be part of Hoolie in the Hydro this year.

"It’s a real testament to the strength of the trad scene in Scotland just now and how quickly it’s growing, and seeing the demand for events such as this is just fantastic.

"It’s going to be an incredible night."

While Iain Bayne commented: "Where better to celebrate 50 years of Runrig’s music than at The Hydro, surrounded by some of the finest musicians and the best fans in the world."

Tickets for Hoolie in the Hydro 2023 are on sale now and can be purchased HERE

The line-up launch video is available to view on YouTube

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Runrig: the music lives on.

This week our travel blog doesn’t travel far physically, but in spirit we are travelling around Scotland and far beyond, because we welcome you to join us on a trip to the soundtrack of our lives...welcome to the music of Runrig!

runrig on tour

To start, we must first go back to 1973, and to the Isle of Skye. That is where brothers, Rory and Calum MacDonald joined together with their friend Blair Douglas to form a three-piece cèilidh band called – The Run Rig Dance Band. After about a year of playing small local events, they were joined by Donnie Munro as their new lead singer. Soon after that they found themselves playing in concerts beyond the Isle of Skye, including their first concert in a cèilidh at Kelvin Hall in Glasgow (at this point you might be wondering what a cèilidh (pronounced: KAY-lee) is – no worries – it is a traditional Scottish social gathering involving dancing and playing Scottish Gaelic folk music. In fact, a little later we will bring you with us to the largest ever cèilidh held. Stay tuned for that.).

After a few years of playing gigs, Runrig recorded their first of fourteen albums in 1978, ‘Play Gaelic’. As the name of the album suggests, Runrig recorded numerous songs in Scottish Gaelic. Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with Scottish Gaelic, they recorded even more songs with lyrics in English. In any case, we are certain that you will enjoy their music in both languages.

The next thing that you might be wondering at this point is what type of music did Runrig produce? Well, to be honest, I don’t really care for titles and genres because they can be limiting. To me Runrig’s music is simply about life, with connections to the lands, islands and waters around Scotland; their music is about love and loss, life and death, work and nature, politics and religion. But, if forced to label them, I guess you could make a case for folk, rock, folk-rock, Celtic rock, traditional, country, and maybe even other genres. Essentially, the best thing is for you to just listen and enjoy regardless of titles and genres. However, don’t go and do that right now…wait until the end of this post, and then please go discover or re-discover Runrig.

Now, I could go on forever telling you all about the history of Runrig, but then this post would turn into a multi-volume book. So, I will spare you from that and just briefly mention a few more key historical points of interest. First, in terms of the band line-up, it’s not surprising that there would be some changes along the way considering they performed for 45 years. For example, they grew from a three-piece to a six-member band, and they were often accompanied by guest artists, either in the studio or on the stage.

runrig on tour

 As the band expanded, their members came from beyond the Isle of Skye- places all around Scotland such as Dunfermline, St Andrews, Inverness, and Falkirk. However, perhaps the most notable change within the band came in 1997 when their lead singer, Donnie Munro, left to pursue a career in politics. Then, the following year, he was replaced with Bruce Guthro from Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. More about Bruce a bit later. If you are interested in learning more about the history of Runrig, there is a wealth of information on and offline (e.g. books and documentaries) for you to choose from.

Speaking of choosing, I know what you are thinking – who sang it better Donnie or Bruce? Nice try! I’m not going to get into the middle of that debate and potentially offend any die-hard Runrig fans. Sure, we might have our favourite, but for the purposes of honouring Runrig, I am going to remain neutral and simply say that both singers sounded incredible together when Donnie Munro joined them on stage in 2013 at the ‘Party on the Moor’ near Inverness.

Regarding concerts that you’ll need to check after reading this post, include the afore mentioned ‘Party on the Moor’, their concerts from Edinburgh Castle- especially ‘Celebration in the City’ (from 2013) and ‘The Story’ (from 2016), the 1991 concert from Balloch Country Park, and ‘Beat the Drum’ at Loch Ness in 2007. Last, but certainly not least, be sure to check out their epic concerts from Stirling Castle- the 30th Anniversary concert from 2003, and the incredibly memorable ‘The Last Dance’ in 2018 which was the band's farewell concert.

runrig on tour

Finally in terms of their history, I want to mention a few of their albums. Just like any other band in history, their albums have received varying success, and that can be attributed to many factors. First of all, some of their records were released on their own small label, without any large record company promotion and production. Also, during their career-spanning 45 years, there were changes in the global music tastes which inevitably brought some experimentation with their music, and with varying results.

However, through it all, the true core of what made Runrig, Runrig, remained - Scotland! For proof, watch the music video for the song, ‘The Story’ (once a ceilidh band, always a ceilidh band’).

In fact, Runrig is so important to Scottish culture that they were featured in the 2023 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo as part of the 50th celebration of the band (as an aside we went to and wrote about the 2019 Tattoo ). Various Tattoo performers sang, 'The Story', including Master Sgt. Stacey Holliday from the United States Air Force Band who was the lead singer for the song. She did an incredible job and even sang in Scots Gaelic!

What I would like to point out is that whether you listen to some earlier albums like ‘Highland Connections’(1979) or ‘Recovery’(1981), or popular albums from the 80’s and the 90’s – such as ‘Heartland’(1985), one my favourite albums- ‘The Cutter and the Clan’(1987), or ‘Mara’(1995), or the later albums with Bruce Guthro like one of my other favourite albums- ‘The Stamping Ground’(2001) or ‘Everything You See’(2007), one thing is certain – you will be transported to Scotland. You’ll discover new things from their vast song catalogue every time you listen to them. That, to me, is the magic of Runrig; their music is timeless like the beauty of Scotland, and you’ll never grow tired of it!

Now that I’ve covered a brief introduction to Runrig, I want to share a bit of how their music has become such an integral part of the soundtrack of our lives. It is impossible to state the importance that all the different forms of art have in depicting the cultural fabric of any given place or people, so naturally due to our love of Scotland, we have long been drawn to Scottish artists. I almost consider it to be a willing form of acculturation for us since we are ‘new Scots’. In a nutshell, when it comes to the music of Runrig, what makes it so much easier for us is very simple – their music is incredible, and it will outlive us all.

Like many other great Scottish musicians and artists, Runrig always succeeded in escapism to the landscapes of Scotland – consider it musical virtual travel. Putting on their albums, you can feel yourself being transported around the Scottish isles, the Highlands, and sometimes even beyond the Scottish shores. Regardless of the destination, their music will move you as you feel yourself being woven into the fabric of Scotland. However, before I get to telling you about some of the specific songs and their meanings to us, we want to share with you some of the other ways that Runrig’s music lives on, and how you can still even experience it in person.

First, let me introduce you to an incredible cover/tribute band – ‘Beat The Drum’! ‘Beat The Drum, The Runrig Experience’ are bringing back the music of Runrig the way it was meant to be heard – live and in person. So, make sure to check their Facebook page for tour dates and more information, because it is time to dance again! Beat The Drum consists of talented musicians and fans of Runrig, such as their Edinburgh native singer and guitarist, Richie Muir, who brings their songs back to life almost on par with Donnie and Bruce. As a meaningful sidenote, Richie now plays the old guitar (pictured below) previously used and played by Bruce Guthro! So, I feel that to some extent, the torch has been passed and it is now proudly carried into the future by Beat The Drum. If you ever get a chance to catch their show live as they tour around the UK and Europe – do it! We did exactly that on November 28th, 2023, when they played here in Edinburgh at the Liquid Room. Below are some photos and a video from that show.

Yet another incredible experience with Runrig’s music was the last year’s (2023) Hoolie in the Hydro. It was the largest cèilidh ever held, with over ten thousand people in attendance! Hoolie 2023, was a celebration of 50 years of Runrig’s legendary music. Below, are some photos and a wee video clip from the event. However, be sure to check out our full blog post on it after you finish with this post. For now, enjoy a wee sample of it below, and then, later, we recommend that you go and get your tickets for Hoolie 2024.

Beyond the significance of Runrig’s entire catalogue of music spanning decades, there are a few songs that have become even more important to us personally. The reason for this is our beloved Sawyer – our incredible Golden Retriever- used to love Runrig! You’re probably wondering how a dog can relate to music?! Well, it’s really quite simple, just like Bruce Guthro, our Sawyer was a Canadian with Scottish ancestry who through some twists of fate, made his way back to Scotland! But Sawyer loved Runrig because we love Runrig. I would spend countless hours singing and dancing to Runrig songs with Sawyer. Don’t worry, I’ll spare you from my singing and dancing but, Sawyer loved the energy that filled the room whenever Runrig played. So, as I danced, he danced and swayed with that incredible fluffy golden tail swooshing through the air, and as I sang…well he howled too. 😂

runrig on tour

Our lives were filled with many joyous and lively renditions of songs like ‘Loch Lomond’ (in 2008 it was chosen as the greatest Scottish song in history. I would have to agree with that selection.), ‘Protect and Serve’, ‘Running to the Light’, ‘Alba’, ‘Pride of the Summer’ and many others. But, as you know, life is not always so joyous and lively, and sometimes we all go through periods of sadness, sorrow, and even death.

That certainly, has been a case for our family in the past year. However, like in good times – music can also be important in the bad times. It can bring you comfort and peace even during the darkest moments. And that is exactly what Runrig and some of their songs have provided us. Our lives were first shaken in the spring of 2023 with the passing of our wee Stirling , Sawyer’s little brother. But,we were often comforted with songs like ‘Somewhere’, and especially the ‘Book of Golden Stories’. There were many tear-filled renditions of the latter, while Sawyer lied on my chest and stared into my eyes with his big empathetic eyes, as he too mourned the passing of his brother.

Then later in the year, on September 5th, the world lost one of its most beautiful voices! Bruce Guthro, passed away at the age of just 62 from cancer.

At his memorial service (in his beloved Nova Scotia, Canada), Rory and Calum MacDonald sang an absolutely gut-wrenching version of ‘Hearts of Olden Glory’ – perhaps one of the best songs ever written. But, just as Rory and Calum, and all the people in the service, we here in Scotland also sang along with tears streaming down our faces. Unknowingly at the time, that song would soon provide further solace for us because cancer hit home.

This time it struck Sawyer’s big brother, Finn. To cope with that struggle, we would often sing ‘Hearts of Olden Glory’, in hopes of bringing some joy and comfort to both Finn and Sawyer. We would also sing ‘Going Home’ to Finn as we realised that his days were becoming numbered. Finn passed away and crossed the rainbow bridge in October of 2023.

As we watched Sawyer stoically comfort our family through the loss of his brothers, the worst was yet to come…our beloved Sawyer was riddled with the evil of cancer himself. It had ravaged his bones, but by some miracle he had stayed strong for us to mourn the passing of his brothers, but then in November – he finally showed signs of pain for the first time ever. And, as we rushed him to a vet, thinking he had sprained his front leg, we, and our vets, were shocked to find that Sawyer was dying from bone cancer, and that there was no hope and nothing left we could do.

So, we sang…oh how we sang…

The last thing that Sawyer heard on this mortal plain before closing his big, beautiful eyes for the last time and crossing the rainbow bridge, was ‘Hearts of Olden Glory’.

So, I hope that you now understand what Runrig, and their music has meant to us and continues to mean to us. And we sincerely hope that you have enjoyed this virtual musically-inspired travel through Scotland, and that you will perhaps enjoy Runrig’s music like so many before. Finally, don’t forget to explore & discover! And, may the colours of Scotland leave you young inside...

runrig on tour

  • History & Culture

Recent Posts

Mellerstain House: Stately Splendour in the Scottish Borders

Walter’s First Castle: A Visit to Aberdour

Captivating Charm at Culzean Castle and Country Park

  • Play Gaelic
  • The Highland Connection
  • The Cutter & The Clan
  • Once in A Lifetime
  • Searchlight
  • The Big Wheel
  • Alba - The Best of Runrig
  • Amazing Things
  • Transmitting Live
  • Long Distance
  • Beat The Drum
  • The Gaelic Collection
  • The Runrig Collection
  • BBC - The Archive Series
  • In Search of Angels
  • Celtic Glory
  • Live At Celtic Connections
  • Scotland's Glory
  • Scotland's Pride
  • The Stamping Ground
  • 30 Year Journey - The Best
  • Day Of Days
  • Everything You See
  • Hit Collection
  • Year Of The Flood
  • The Collection
  • Special Edition Compilation
  • 50 Great Songs
  • All The Best
  • Stepping Down The Glory Road
  • Party On The Moor
  • The Story of The Tour
  • Best of Rarities
  • The Ones That Got Away
  • The Last Dance
  • Best of The Last Dance
  • One Legend - Two Concerts
  • Loch Lomond
  • Dance Called America
  • The Work Song
  • Worker For The Wind
  • Live Promotion Single
  • Protect and Survive
  • News From Heaven
  • Every River
  • Capture The Heart
  • Flower of The West
  • Hearthammer
  • The Greatest Flame
  • Song of The Earth
  • This Time of Year
  • An Ubhal As Airde
  • Things That Are
  • Rhythm of My Heart
  • The Greatest Flame - 1996 remix
  • The Message
  • This Is Not A Love Song
  • Book of Golden Stories
  • Wall of China
  • Empty Glens
  • Comhlan Ceilteach Na H-Albainn
  • Clash of The Ash
  • Loch Lomond (Hampden Remix)
  • Year of The Flood
  • And We'll Sing
  • City Of Lights
  • The Years We Shared
  • City of Lights
  • Wheel In Motion
  • Donnie Munro's Farewell
  • Live In Bonn
  • There Must Be A Place

The Band From Rockall

  • Sails To The Wind
  • Of Your Son
  • Beautiful Life
  • The Drive Tour
  • Celtic Crossing
  • No Final Destination
  • Bound for Bethlehem
  • The Symphony Sessions
  • A Winter's Night
  • A Night at The Royal ...
  • On The West Side
  • Will You Walk On By?
  • Donnie Munro Live
  • Across The City And The World
  • She Knows Love
  • The Weaver of Grass
  • Gaelic Heart
  • Flower of Scotland
  • Fields Of The Young
  • Donnie Munro - Best of
  • Donnie Munro And Friends
  • Heart Of America
  • An Turas (The Journey)
  • Sweet Surrender

Brian Hurren

Malcolm Jones

  • Beneath The Beret
  • A Summer In Skye
  • Angels From The Ashes
  • Stay Strong
  • Leandiah Mi
  • Behind The Name
  • Kingfishers Catch Fire
  • Big Country
  • Air an Tràigh
  • An Clachan Uaine
  • An-Diugh Ghabh Mi Cuairt
  • An T-Iasgair
  • An Toll Dubh
  • Cearcall A' Chuain
  • Ceol Nan Cruinneag
  • Chi Mi'n Geamradh
  • Cum 'Ur 'Naire
  • Duisg Mo Run
  • Everlasting Gun
  • Foghar Nan Eilean
  • Griogal Cridhe
  • Hearts of Olden Glory
  • I'll Keep Coming Home
  • On The Edge
  • Pog Aon Oidhche Earraich
  • Pride of The Summer
  • Rocket To The Moon
  • Sguaban Arbhair
  • Solus Na Madainn
  • Thairis Air 'A Ghleann
  • The Dancing Floor
  • The Old Boys
  • Tir 'A Mhurain
  • Tir An Airm
  • Other Runrig Lyrics
  • Bound For Bethlehem
  • Across The City and The World
  • Fields of The Young
  • Donnie Munro - Best Of
  • Donnie Munro and Friends
  • Heart of America

runrig on tour

Access All Areas

Bruce Guthro

Donnie Munro

Blair Douglas

Pete Wishart

  • Cover versions

DISCOGRAPHY

runrig on tour

The discography is mostly based on:

  • http://www.dcs.shef.ac.uk/~mark////music/discography.html?3-0
  • http://www.spirit-of-rock.com/discographie-groupe-Runrig-type-Albums-l-en.html
  • http://www.discogs.com/artist/353441
  • http://www.runrig.de/disco.htm
  • an archieved version of Flemming Bjerre's Runrig Pages
  • the discography in Record Collector no. 172, December 1993
  • keeping an eye on what's offered at eBay and Amazon
  • my own collection
  • and help from fellow Riggies in the Facebook group Runrig Fans

Copyright © All Rights Reserved.

IMAGES

  1. Runrig tour dates & tickets 2024

    runrig on tour

  2. RunRig Experience

    runrig on tour

  3. RUNRIG THE FINAL MILE TOUR 2018 -The Band-

    runrig on tour

  4. Runrig tickets and 2021 tour dates

    runrig on tour

  5. RunRig The Story Tour Aberdeen music hall 10/02/2016

    runrig on tour

  6. RunRig Experience

    runrig on tour

VIDEO

  1. Runrig

  2. Runrig

  3. Runrig Day of Days Part 5

  4. Runrig: Every River (Schlossgarten Schwetzingen 2017)

  5. RUNRIG

  6. Runrig One Thing

COMMENTS

  1. Runrig

    Bass, Vocals / Rory Macdonald. Drums / Iain Bayne. Guitars / Malcolm Jones. Percussion / Calum Macdonald. Keyboards / Brian Hurren. Lead Vocals, Guitar / Bruce Guthro

  2. Runrig Concerts & Live Tour Dates: 2024-2025 Tickets

    Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. Di. January 12th 2016. Runrig gigs never fail. @. Zenith, die Kulturhalle. View More Fan Reviews. Find tickets for Runrig concerts near you. Browse 2024 tour dates, venue details, concert reviews, photos, and more at Bandsintown.

  3. Home

    Purchase Tickets. Date. Venue. Tickets. 18th April 2024. Bensheim. Buy Tickets. 20th April 2024. Irish Folk Nights, Maulbronn. Buy Tickets. 28th May 2024. Corby, The Clubhouse Music Venue. ... What this is is a chance to celebrate Runrig's incredible songs and experience them in a live environment again with an incredible band. Highly ...

  4. Runrig Concert & Tour History

    Cud. Runrig has had 242 concerts. Runrig is most often considered to be Rock, Folk, Folk Rock, Celtic, Contemporary Folk, Scottish, Celtic Rock, Scottish Rock, and Puirt-A-Beul. The last Runrig concert was on August 25, 2018 at Stirling Castle in Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom. The songs that Runrig performs live vary, but here's the latest ...

  5. Tickets

    Get all the latest information and access to exclusive pre-sale tickets, direct to your inbox!

  6. Beat The Drum

    Beat The Drum - The Runrig Experience. 3,221 likes · 396 talking about this. Beat The Drum pay tribute to the music of the legendary Scottish band, Runrig.

  7. Runrig

    Runrig were a Scottish Celtic rock band formed on the Isle of Skye in 1973. From its inception, the band's line-up included brothers and songwriters Rory MacDonald (bass, vocals) and Calum MacDonald (percussion). The line-up during most of the 1980s and 1990s (the band's most successful period) also included Donnie Munro (vocals), Malcolm Jones (guitar), Iain Bayne (drums), and Pete Wishart ...

  8. The Runrig Experience

    In Scotland, Runrig is a term that refers to a pre-agricultural revolution farming practice known as "run rig." ... Runrig announced their retirement in 2017, and their farewell tour, "The Final Mile," took place in 2017-2018. 17. How did Bruce Guthro join Runrig? Bruce Guthro joined Runrig in 1998 as the lead singer, replacing Donnie ...

  9. Runrig Official

    The home of Runrig on Youtube.

  10. The Story

    Tickets; Media; Contact; The Story. ... lifelong Runrig fan. During lockdown, Richie launched a Facebook page, dedicated to acoustic covers of Runrig songs from across the decades and before long, combined with the band manager Ben Marshall, the concept of a live show celebrating the music of Runrig was born and wheels were in motion. ...

  11. Runrig Tour Announcements 2024 & 2025, Notifications, Dates ...

    Find information on all of Runrig's upcoming concerts, tour dates and ticket information for 2024-2025. Unfortunately there are no concert dates for Runrig scheduled in 2024. Songkick is the first to know of new tour announcements and concert information, so if your favorite artists are not currently on tour, join Songkick to track Runrig and ...

  12. Runrig's farewell

    The last few songs, farewells and fireworks of the last ever Runrig concert, taken from up close, unedited at Stirling, Scotland on 18th August. Includes bea...

  13. Beat The Drum

    Beat The Drum's Runrig Medley filmed on The Isle of Skye!Visit www.therunrigexperience.com for live dates, bookings and more info #runrig #scotland #gaelicBe...

  14. Runrig Tickets, 2024 Concert Tour Dates

    To purchase Runrig tickets on SeatGeek's desktop website, head to the official Runrig page or type the artist or team name in the search bar. Once you're on the Runrig, you can browse upcoming events and select the event you want to attend. When you select your ideal event, you will be shown a list of tickets and an interactive seat map.

  15. Concerts

    a list of Runrig concerts 1985-2014 provided by Paul Rutter. Martin Schröder's research of West Highland Free Press. concert list found at last.fm. concert list found at songkick.com. an archieved version of Flemming Bjerre's Runrig Pages. additional research mainly regarding the Danish concerts found in archived issues.

  16. Runrig put their stamp on new Inverness musical

    Runrig's music is now hitting the stage at Inverness' Eden Court in the musical The Stamping Ground. It is a story about a couple returning home to the Highlands to give their teenage daughter the ...

  17. Runrig

    Runrig. 48,531 likes · 58 talking about this. Scottish rock band formed in 1973.

  18. Runrig to play Glasgow's The Hoolie in the Hydro

    A major Scottish band are set to play at 'Scotland's biggest night of traditional music' in Glasgow this December. Runrig is set to make an appearance at this year's The Hoolie in the Hydro, which has been described as 'the single biggest night of traditional music to have ever taken place in Scotland'. With an all-star line-up of some of the ...

  19. Runrig: The Music Lives On!

    Yet another incredible experience with Runrig's music was the last year's (2023) Hoolie in the Hydro. It was the largest cèilidh ever held, with over ten thousand people in attendance! Hoolie 2023, was a celebration of 50 years of Runrig's legendary music. Below, are some photos and a wee video clip from the event.

  20. Roadmap for 2024

    Roadmap for 2024. This roadmap is being presented in order to provide a more intentional, structured exposition of Runrig's short and long term goals. It is not, however, meant to be a static declaration of Runrig's purpose or motivations. It's a starting point, not just for the year 2024 but for each and every time we come together in ...

  21. Discography

    The Drive Tour; Celtic Crossing; No Final Destination; Bound for Bethlehem; The Symphony Sessions; A Winter's Night; A Night at The Royal ... Donnie Munro. On The West Side; ... an archieved version of Flemming Bjerre's Runrig Pages; the discography in Record Collector no. 172, December 1993; keeping an eye on what's offered at eBay and Amazon;

  22. Bio

    Ruth Campbell is a Christian Scottish singer/songwriter. Originally born in Inverness, she studied music in Aberdeen. Ruth had the opportunity of playing at Belladrum Music Festival and supporting Runrig on tour with her first album. After a break to have a family, she started writing and recording new material. Her sound is based on vocals ...