AS one of the original members of Runrig, who better to ask about the enduring appeal of the top Scottish rock band than Calum Macdonald?

It is nearly 20 years since he, along with brother Rory and accordionist Blair Douglas, formed what was to become one of Scotland's finest musical exports.

Now preparing for a brief UK tour which will end in Blackburn on May 18, Calum said: "The general attitude of the band has always been that we are into music. This is something which we have always wanted to do and which we continue to enjoy doing.

"We do what we feel is relevant and of worth. We have never been part of any particular package we have just been ourselves."

Runrig have always been proud of their Scottish roots and terms such as Celtic rock are often used to describe their unique sound.

"Everybody gets labels attached to them," said Calum, "and they are largely meaningless. But it does give something for people to identify you by. I suppose Celtic rock is as close as good a description as any -- it's certainly far better than Jock rock which has been used before now!"

Using the Gaelic language and culture for much of their songs and with strong political convictions -- there aren't many bands who can claim that their lead singer left to become a Labour MP -- Runrig are much more than a rock band to many fans.

"There is a whole sub culture which has grown up around the band," said Calum. "There are fans who have grown up with the band and usually the faces in the first few rows are the same. We have people who take their holidays so that they can follow the band on tour."

When Runrig come to King George's Hall, the band will be playing a number of tracks from their most recent album The Stamping Ground.

"The album was actually released last year but we couldn't get to many places in the UK to promote it at the time," said Calum. "But we will be doing some of the older stuff as well.

"It is important for us to go everywhere as we want to reach as many fans as possible"

In reaching out to fans, Runrig have, in the past, played at both Edinburgh and Stirling Castles as well as on the banks of Loch Lomond to huge audiences.

Their 10-date tour which starts on Thursday will include the Shepherds Bush Empire in London before culminating at King George's Hall.

Tickets for Runrig on Saturday, May 18 cost £18.50. For details contact the box office on 01254 582582.