Glasgow Letter

SINCE news of Runrig’s impending retirement broke last year, tributes have been flooding in from all corners of the music industry.

On Wednesday June 13, the Glasgow Islay Choir are hosting their own tribute to the great band with a concert in the Glasgow University Union.

They have had a long association with Runrig, singing with the band at many of their most significant live performances over the years, and will fittingly appear at The Last Dance, Runrig’s final ever performances in the shadow of Stirling castle on August 17 and 18. At their June concert, the choir will perform a full evening of Runrig songs (mostly in Gaelic, but many in English too) with the help of some guests who also have connections with the band.

One of their special guests will be Gary Innes, who featured (caman in hand) on the front cover of the band’s 2007 album, Everything You See, and performed the shinty hit Clash of the Ash with the band later that year, at the subsequent concert, Beat the Drum.

Fiona Hunter will also sing a selection of Runrig songs and the Glasgow Islay Junior Gaelic Choir will sing one or two Runrig songs by themselves, as well as joining the seniors for a few choruses.

I am very honoured to be singing at this exciting concert in celebration of one of my favourite bands. To my mind, their contribution to the progression of Gaelic culture (and their effect on the way in which our music is consumed) cannot be underestimated. They are more than worthy of all the tributes that come their way and I am sure the Glasgow Islay Gaelic Choir’s concert will be a perfect way for the choir to mark their own involvement in the Runrig story over the years.

Meal choices and numbers for the Glasgow Skye

Those planning to attend the Glasgow Skye Association End of Session Social in the Redhurst Hotel in Giffnock on Friday June 8 should contact the association secretary, Karen Campbell, on 01786832278 as the hotel needs to know numbers and meal choices by Monday June 4. The event on June 8 begins at 7pm.

What’s on

Thursday May 31: Glasgow Uist and Barra Association annual general meeting at 7.30pm in Lourdes Secondary School Thursday May 31: Glasgow Sutherland Association AGM in the RAOB Club, 937 Dumbarton Road, at 7.30pm. Tuesday June 5: The Glasgow Islay Association annual general meeting at 7pm in Partick Burgh Hall Friday June 8: The Glasgow Skye Association End of Session Social at 7pm in the Redhurst Hotel, Giffnock. Wednesday June 13: Mull and Iona Association AGM, Unit 3 of An Leannag, 22 Mansfield Street, at 7pm. Friday June 29: Helensburgh and District Highland Association Dance at 8pm in the Commodore Hotel.

Pub Scene

Islay Inn

Friday June 1: The Keelies Saturday June 2: The Buchanan Street Preachers Park Bar

Friday June 1: Deoch ’n’ Dorus

Saturday June 2: Martainn Skene and Martin Pottinger

Sunday June 3: Trail

West