Runrig all set to rock Scone

Aug 28 2009 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

THE organisers of Perthshire’s biggest music gig of the year were yesterday putting the final arrangements in place in picturesque Scone Palace for the Year of Homecoming 2009 open-air concert by Celtic rockers Runrig, writes Alison Anderson.

Ticket sales are on course for bringing around 15,000 music fans from all over the world to this major celebration of Scottish music.

Runrig fans from as far afield as North America and Australia have bought tickets, with many taking advantage of the on-site camping, while those travelling to the concert on the day are being urged to catch the special shuttle buses running from Perth city centre.

Steve Cullen, Runrig’s business manager, said: “The band want the Scone Palace concert to be a genuine showcase of all that is best about Scotland.’’

Six-strong Runrig’s enduring popularity continues apace, 36 years after the band began as a three-piece playing wedding receptions on the Hebridean islands.

There was a scare about the band’s future earlier this year when lead guitarist Malcolm Jones suffered serious health problems leading to heart by-pass surgery.

Happily, Malcolm’s recovery has gone well and Steve Cullen this week confirmed: “We are delighted to confirm to fans that Malcolm has been fully participating at the rehearsals as we prepare for Saturday’s show at Scone Palace.

“He is looking forward to the show and the band are really excited as we finalise plans for what promises to be an excellent day.’’

lTICKETS can be bought at the concert ground tomorrow. The on-site box office will open from 10am, and gates open to the picturesque Scone Palace concert ground at 2pm. The first support act is on at 3.40pm, with Runrig due on stage at 8.30pm.

lCONCERT organisers hope there will be a good uptake for the special return journey shuttle buses running from Mill Street in Perth to Scone Palace every 15 minutes tomorrow from 1pm until 6.40pm.

Parking is available at the site, but with traffic on the route expected to be heavy, £3 for a return bus ticket looks like the sensible option.

lTOMORROW’S weather forecast for Perth is for sunshine and light showers, with a brisk westerly wind. The temperature should peak at a comfortable 18C.