THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

776-Runrig-Loch Lomond.

1982-Number 86 single.

Best Bit-At 1.12. In a survey in 2009, the ‘Hampden Remix,’ with the Tartan Army, was chosen as the greatest Scottish song ever.

‘Runrig’ were formed in the Isle of Skye, Scotland, in 1973, by the brothers Calum and Rory Macdonald, and their friend Blair Douglas, they were joined the following year by Donnie Munro. In total there have been 12 different members come and go up until 2018, when the group was retired. ‘Runrig’ who took there name from the Scottish name for a pre–agricultural revolution farming practice, did over the course of their career focus their lyrics on locations, history, politics, and people who are unique to Scotland.

‘Runrig’ released 14 studio Albums between 1978-2016, and 31 singles or extended plays between 1982-2018, there are also seven official live Albums, and eight compilation Albums available. In the UK, Runrig have charted within the top 40 on nine occasions, with ‘An Ubhal as Àirde (The Highest Apple’) peaking the highest at Number 18 in 1995. In 2007 ‘Runrig’ made the UK top 10 for the first and only time, reaching Number 9, when they re-recorded ‘Loch Lomond’ to raise money for the ‘BBC Children in Need Appeal.’ The recording featured the ‘Tartan Army,’ a group of Scottish football supporters, including Rod Stewart (see also best songs 965-565-206-179-70 and 34)) on backing vocals. The song was recorded shortly before the Scottish football team played a vital European Championship qualifier against Italy, which they lost 2-1.

The genre of music associated with ‘Runrig’ was ‘Celtic Rock,’ which is a genre of ‘Folk Rock,’ as well as a form of ‘Celtic’ fusion which incorporates ‘Celtic’ music, instrumentation and themes into a ‘Rock’ music context. It was in Ireland that ‘Celtic Rock’ first came to the fore, when musicians attempted to apply the use of traditional, and electric music, to their own cultural context. By the end of the 1960’s Ireland already had perhaps the most flourishing ‘Folk Music’ tradition, and a growing ‘Blues’ and ‘Pop’ scene, which provided a basis for ‘Irish Rock.’ Perhaps the most successful product of this scene was the band Thin Lizzy (see also best songs 125.) Formed in 1969 their first two Albums were recognisably influenced by traditional Irish music, and their first hit single ‘Whisky in the Jar’ (Ireland-Number 1 & UK Number 6) in 1972, was a ‘Rock’ version of a traditional Irish song. From Scotland, other bands in this ‘1000 best songs’ list who have incorporated ‘Celtic Rock’ into their sound are ‘The Waterboys, (see also best songs 755) and Big Country (see also best songs 962.)

‘Runrig’ first recorded ‘Loch Lomond’ in 1979 for their second studio Album ‘The Highland Connection,’ the song was first issued as a single in the UK in 1982, making little impact when stalling at Number 86. Over the years the song has become a fans favourite after being played live on many occasions. It became the groups signature tune, and was often used as the encore at their concerts.

‘Loch Lomond’ is a traditional Scottish Folk song, which was first published in 1841. It is thought that the subject of the song could be a captured soldier who knows he is unlikely ever to spend time again with his true love by the shores of Loch Lomond. The ‘Low Road’ may be a reference to the ‘Celtic’ belief that if someone died away from the homeland, then the fairies would provide a route for their soul to return home.

‘O ye’ll tak’ the high road, and I’ll tak’ the low road, and I’ll be in Scotland afore ye. But me and my true love will never meet again, on the bonnie, bonnie banks o’ Loch Lomond.’