Runrig - Return to Cumbria - Carlisle Sands Centre

From a ceilidh dance band on the Isle Of Skye in 1973, the Runrig story has been a remarkable one. Deeply respected by those that have been touched by their music, they have survived through changing musical fashions and eras. Never playing slave to either the folk, or the rock and roll, their constant driving force has been the concoction and belief within the music itself. In celebration of their thirty years in the business the band on a major UK tour promoting their latest album ‘Proterra’ call in at the Sands Centre, Carlisle on Tuesday 2nd December.

To help with the aspiration to create an album with a cinematic approach, the band brought on board the services of the Brazil based Scottish musician, Paul Mounsey for his deep understanding of the Gaelic musical mosaic. The Latin title, Proterra, (for the land) was taken from the Celtic myth or legend that traced the origin of the Clan Donald clan crest. The crest is that of an upright severed arm, and the motto reads Per Mara, Per Terras (by land by sea). In the legend two sons of the chief were given the opportunity to become successor to the chief and Lord of the Isles. The isles being virgin territory that the clan was now claiming, and this new lordship would be the start of a dynasty. The decision rested on a rowing race between the two sons and their respective oarsmen. The victor would be the first one to touch the new land. The galleys rowed neck and neck until close to the shore, when one brother pulled slightly ahead and was going on to claim his prize. Before he touched the land, the other brother drew his sword, severed off his own arm and threw it onto the land. He then became the eventual victor.

The story within the album became a metaphor for the struggle that the Scottish Celtic peoples have experienced from the dawn of recorded history to the present day for the land on which they live. The story is a universal one, as the elements of land and sea are pivotal for the survival of any maritime civilisation.

For what promises to be stunning production, early ticket purchase is recommended for this eagerly anticipated return to the County of UK’s most exciting exponents of their genre.

Tickets priced at £20 for the show on Tuesday 2^nd December are available on 01228 625222 or from the Tour Ticket Hotline on 0870 735 5000