Runrig legend Bruce Guthro dead at 62: Tributes paid to Loch Lomond singer
THE legendary lead singer of Scottish band Runrig, Bruce Guthro, has died at the age of 62.
Former bandmate and MP Pete Wishart revealed the sad news on social media this afternoon.
The singer-songwriter announced two months ago that he was battling with illness.
He joined Runrig in 1998 and lead the Celtic rock act for twenty years until the band retired in 2018.
The group are most famous for singing Scottish anthem Loch Lomond.
Tributes poured in for the “exceptional Canadian singer, musician and songwriter taken far too soon.
Pete Wishart, elected member for Perth and North Perthshire, lead the dedications.
He said: “So, so sad to hear of the untimely death of my friend and former band mate Bruce Guthro.
“He was just the nicest person you could ever hope to meet and a joy to perform with.
“An exceptional singer, musician and song writer taken far too soon. We are going to miss him. RIP.”
Duncan Chisholm – who played the fiddle in Runrig – described his former bandmate as an “absolute gentleman”.
He said: “So sad today to hear that my friend of over 25 years Bruce Guthro has passed away.
“He was an absolute gentleman, an incredibly gifted singer and a true friend.
“Sending love and condolences to Kim and the family and to everyone in the Runrig family Rest well buddy x”
Mark Ruskell MSP, Scottish Greens spokesperson on culture, said: “For many, Runrig and Bruce Guthro were about more than music.
“His voice was a clarion call for Scots everywhere to think of home, the Gaelic culture, and the spirit that makes us so fiercely passionate about who we are.
“He may have been born in Cape Breton Island in Canada, but his legend was forged in the hearts of tens of thousands of music fans across the world.
“Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and all those who will miss his extraordinary talent.”
Scots Celtic rockers Runrig brought down the curtain on a 45-year career in 2018.
The band, who formed in 1973, celebrated with a final farewell concert in Scotland that summer.
Titled The Last Dance, it was held at Stirling’s City Park against the backdrop of Stirling Castle, on August 18, 2018.
One of the biggest events the band has ever staged, the celebration was a thank you to those who had followed Runrig over the decades.
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