Rocking the Castle with a mix of old and new

Runrig ****Edinburgh CastleRUNRIG are very unlikely to do a bad show. Let's face it, if they ever have, it's so far back in the mists of time that even they probably won't remember it.

That doesn't mean that every gig will be a five-star spectacular, but few audiences, if any, ever get less than the absolute professional best.

Performing at Edinburgh Castle gave the performance an extra layer of importance and spectacle before a note was played. The flames on the balustrades made up for the fact that, performing on a summer's evening, the stage lights had little impact until the last few songs. They were impressive nevertheless, as were the video images on the vast screen behind the Celtic legends.

Primarily showcasing material from their most recent album, the band occasionally ventured into the past to mine a few classics. Newer songs like In Scandinavia and This Day sat comfortably beside Proterra and Book Of Golden Stories, all more than worthy offerings next to the truly classic Protect And Survive and, of course, Loch Lomond.

The sold out audience – more often than not a sea of clapping hands engulfing the Esplanade were at their vocal best. Thoroughly enjoying the chance to roar and dance like the "diehard, pure blooded Scots" that they were, at least in singer Bruce Guthro's eyes.

Even an ex-band member, sitting quietly among the throng, commented on the high quality of the band's work.

Playing the venue for the first time in over a decade, it might not have been their crowning moment, but there were no grumbles from the crowd as they made their way home, by high and low roads, laughing and singing cheerfully the whole way.