TRIBUTES have flooded in for the former lead singer of the Scottish rock band Runrig, Bruce Guthro.
Guthro, from Nova Scotia, Canada, was battling cancer and has died at the age of 62.
His former bandmate Pete Wishart, now an MP, described Guthro as an “exceptional singer, musician and songwriter”.
Wishart said on Twitter: “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.”
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.
Runrig released a statement saying Guthro had "finally lost a long battle with cancer".
The band said: "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
Scottish Greens culture spokesman Mark Ruskell said: “For many, Runrig and Bruce Guthro (below, centre left) 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.”
Smiling on holiday in Switzerland wearing my Runrig T-shirt today, before I heard of the sad passing of lead singer Bruce Guthro. Ach what a world. pic.twitter.com/JjS07pwdD4
— Mike Edwards OBE DL (@InvernessCaley) September 6, 2023
Author Mike Edwards, meanwhile, shared that he was wearing a Runrig T-shirt on holiday in Switzerland when he heard the sad news.
“Ach, what a world,” he added.
And SNP MSP Kate Forbes said: "Incredibly sad to hear this news and my deepest sympathies go to Bruce Guthro’s family, friends and band members.
"His powerful voice lives on, as generations continue to listen to his beautiful music."
