SCOTTISH Celtic rockers Runrig are to bring down the curtain on a 45-year career.
The band, who formed in 1973, will celebrate with a final farewell concert in Scotland next summer.
Titled The Last Dance, it will be held at Stirling’s City Park against the backdrop of Stirling Castle, on August 18, 2018.
Billed as one of the biggest events the band has ever staged, the celebration will be a thank you to those who have followed Runrig over the decades.
Calum Macdonald, percussionist with the band, said: “This has been an enormous and difficult decision for us, but through the machinations of longevity and circumstance, we feel that the timing is now right, for a positive and celebratory conclusion.”
Drummer Iain Bayne added: “We want to make this a true celebration of the band’s career, and the special bond we have with so many people from around the world, although it will be with heavy hearts when we strike the last note.”
Since forming on Skye, the band have performed at venues in the UK and Europe from sell-out shows at the Royal Albert Hall in London to castles and arenas across Germany and Denmark, to Times Square in New York.
The groups songs have served as “a touchstone” for Scottish identity and cultural confidence in the Gaelic community.
Runrig’s version of Loch Lomond, the band say, has also become an “unofficial alternative Scottish anthem”.
The group released their 14th and final studio album The Story in 2016.
A series of farewell arena shows titled, The Final Mile, will take place in Germany and Denmark, together with farewell concerts in England before The Last Dance in Stirling.
The six-piece band feature Rory MacDonald, Iain Bayne, Malcolm Jones, Calum MacDonald, Brian Hurren and Bruce Guthro.
Guitarist Malcolm Jones said: “Although the band as we know it will end, its iconic music will live on, as will the Runrig brand.
“Individual members will continue to write songs, record and engage in live performances, whilst there are various exciting Runrig legacy projects in development.”
Tickets for Runrig’s final performance will be on sale from Ticketline from September 29.
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