Scottish rock legends Runrig will make the Gaelic heartland part of their 2016 UK tour by headlining next year’s Hebridean Celtic Festival.
The band will close the 21st HebCelt’s “coming of age” celebrations on Saturday July 16 during the nationwide tour in support of their 14th – and last – studio album, The Story, which is released in January.
With a sell-out crowd predicted, fans are being urged to book in advance.
It will be Runrig’s fourth appearance at HebCelt, where the internationally-renowned band are also honoured in the Hall of Fame for their outstanding contribution to Celtic music.
They say HebCelt is as close as it gets to coming home and, therefore, there could be no more fitting place to include on the tour.
Guitarist and founder member Rory Macdonald said: “Of all the festivals we have played there is no doubt that HebCelt stands alone in the band’s experience. It is the festival that is closest to the music and the people that inspired us. It is very much home ground.”
Brian Hurren, the band’s keyboard player, added: “I can’t wait to get the sounds and the emotion of the studio recordings transposed into the context of the live show. It was a very special album for us all and the live tour will be no exception.”
HebCelt director Caroline Maclennan added: “Runrig are quite rightly regarded as musical legends, not just in Scotland but across the globe. We are so excited they will be joining us next year – their only gig in the Highlands and Islands – during their nationwide tour.
“Their rise has been mirrored by the increase in interest in the Gaelic language and they are seen as local heroes in these parts. We know their huge following in the islands will be thrilled that they will be back with us in 2016.
“We will shortly be announcing some other superb acts and look forward to presenting a diverse and innovative programme for 2016 to give our audience around the world plenty to look forward to.”
HebCelt has grown from a small event attracting less than 1,000 fans, to an international showpiece for Celtic and traditional music, generating more than £20 million for the local economy over two decades.
the festival’s main arena is in the grounds of Lews Castle, Stornoway.
This year’s festival will be held from July 13-16.