Runrig star Calum Macdonald has recalled his favourite memory of the Hebridean Celtic Festival as the band prepares to headline the event in Stornoway.
His most “unforgettable” moment does not feature him playing on stage, however, but drifting on the sea.
The Scottish rock legends will mark HebCelt’s 21st birthday next week by making their fourth headline appearance at a festival where they are regarded as royalty.
Calum, one of the band’s founder members, recalled a memorable visit in 2000 which ended with him joining drummer Iain Bayne on a fast RIB to Ullapool as his wife was about to give birth.
“There are so many musical memories at HebCelt over the years, but my stand-out memory is non-music related,” he said.
“Iain’s first child Erin was imminent and his wife was heading towards the labour suite, so a speedy solution was arranged to get him back home.
“It was too good an opportunity to miss, so I just had to hitch a ride as well. It was a beautiful Hebridean night with a full moon and the Minch was flat calm.
“Half way across, rib owner Woody cut the engine and we just sat there for a moment in the stillness. Unforgettable.”
Runrig will close the four-day event on Saturday, July 16.