Runrig

Twenty years before Biffy Clyro grabbed international stardom having gained a large and loyal following in their homeland, Runrig were another Scottish band who were huge across the Highlands and low lands, but wider recognition on the same scale was never quite achieved. Not that their 40 year career has not been impressive. That includes success not only in Scotland, but in Canada too since 1999, after the arrival of Nova Scotia singer Bruce Guthro.

The band's height of popularity in Scotland came in 1991, when 50 thousand fans watched them perform live on the banks of Loch Lomond, with the song of the same name being voted the country's greatest song in one poll in 2008. Here then is a final farewell it would seem. But perhaps their Celtic tones and influences (often singing in gaelic) prevented greater success. So, after marking the band's 40th anniversary two years ago, the members agreed to produce one final record.

The Story is produced by Runrig's youngest member Brian Hurren, but rather than force upon them some sonic revolution, this is an album that nods firmly and poignantly to their history. The title track opens in Gaelic before English lyrics take over as Rory MacDonald sings of dreaming of the Hebrides and "still dreaming of the early years". The U2-like Onar has all the hallmarks of their most commercial phase in the mid-nineties, with a rollicking saxophone solo thrown in alongside the kitchen sink towards the close.

18th July takes on the difficult subject of the Malaysian airliner shot down over Ukraine and contradicts its serious message of people "dying in their prime" with an upbeat, Springsteen style rock-along. The anthemic Somewhere closes proceedings, with reflections of finding someone "in the light" and it all sounds rather funereal, as they look to bury an extraordinary 43 year career. Even for those with a hard heart and not with an emotional attachment to this band from the Isle of Skye, a tear may even appear, as the band take their final bow. A terrific way to say goodbye.