Tributes have been paid to Runrig singer Bruce Guthro who has died aged 62 after "a long battle with cancer".
Guthro, a Canadian singer and guitarist, performed with Scotland's Runrig from 1998 until the band's split in 2018.
A statement posted on Runrig's social media read: "It is with the heaviest of hearts and with profound sadness that we inform you of the news that Bruce passed away last night, having finally lost a long battle with cancer that has stretched back many years.
"Everyone associated with Runrig is heartbroken at the loss of a dear friend and such a special musical colleague.
"Our immediate thoughts and prayers at this time are with Kim, Dylan and Jodie."
A statement from the band. pic.twitter.com/QZ3FZfVfYr
— Runrig (@Runrig1973) September 6, 2023
Guthro's former bandmate Pete Wishart, now a Scottish National Party MP, described Guthro as an "exceptional" talent.
Wishart said on X: "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."
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. pic.twitter.com/Z973etWGu9
— Pete Wishart (@PeteWishart) September 6, 2023
Runrig formed on the Isle of Skye in the 1970s and many of their songs were performed in Gaelic.
In 2008, their track Loch Lomond was voted Scotland's greatest ever song and it became an anthem for the Tartan Army.
Scottish Green party MSP (Member of the Scottish Parliament) and culture spokesman Mark Ruskell 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."
Source: Press Association
