Runrig biography

 

Runrig are a Scottish Celtic rock group formed in Skye, in 1973 under the name 'The Run Rig Dance Band'.

Initially formed as a three-piece dance band, which played wedding receptions, the trio's first performance took place at Kelvin Hall, in Glasgow.

 

Since its inception, the band's line-up has included songwriters Rory Macdonald and Calum Macdonald. The current line-up also includes longtime members Malcolm Jones, Iain Bayne, and more recently, Bruce Guthro from Canada, and Brian Hurren. To date, the band has released fourteen studio albums, with a number of their songs sung in Scottish Gaelic including Play Gaelic (1978), Heartland (1985), The Cutter and the Clan (1987), Amazing Things (1993), The Stamping Ground (2001), and Everything You See (2007).

 

Runrig's music is often described as a blend of folk and rock music, with the band's lyrics often focusing upon locations, history, politics and people that are unique to Scotland. Songs also make references to agriculture and land conservation. Runrig are known for pride in their heritage and their spirited energy.

 

While extremely popular in Britain, they remain largely a cult band in America, with followers in the Celtic and folk arenas