
In 2018, Runrig, one of Scotland’s most beloved bands called time on a career spanning five decades. But while Runrig may have said their goodbyes, their fans – the Riggies – weren’t ready to say goodbye to Runrig.
With the band’s blessing, tribute group, Beat the Drum – The Runrig Experience, hit the road in 2024 with over 50 tour dates across the UK, Germany and Denmark.
Made up of a range of generations from across the UK, Richie Muir from South Queensferry Edinburgh, Duncan MacDonald, a Skye native, alongside his son Scott from Glasgow, Jason Laing from Stornoway and Ben Marshall from Nottingham, formed the band during the COVID lockdown, creating a sound that celebrated their Celtic rock idols.

In a new two-part BBC ALBA documentary, Beat the Drum: Dìleab Runrig airing over Easter weekend on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 April, we will join the Riggies and get an “access all areas” pass to the tour road trip.
The documentary follows the highs and lows of tour life, as Beat the Drum – The Runrig Experience embark on their most ambitious tour to date. In just four short years, Beat the Drum have grown from a little-known tribute band, to selling out tours throughout the UK and Europe. Viewers can watch as the band battle technical issues, traffic jams and beach-based breakdowns to ensure they put on a show worthy of their heroes.
As they approach their biggest gig, a night at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall with a capacity of two and half thousand, have they bitten off more than they can chew?
For bassist Duncan, who turned sixty last year, life as a touring musician has been fantastically exciting, and getting to share that with his son, Scott, has made it all the more special.

Duncan MacDoanld, Beat the Drum – The Runrig Experience, said: “Life has a funny way. If you had told me when I was in my 20s I’d be playing Runrig’s music and touring I’d have laughed out loud.
“But as a 60-year-old I can’t think of anything better. To get the chance to play one of the biggest venues in Scotland, with my son Scott on drums, is a dream I didn’t know I had! But it has come true.”

Calum MacDonald, founding member of Runrig, said: “Our fans are wonderful, and like a big family, but when Runrig stopped, the fans didn’t. Now they have concerts to be a part of and that just brings us so much happiness.”
Beat the Drum – The Runrig Experience are a band by fans for fans, and throughout the tour the documentary introduces the Riggies who followed the group across the world, embracing Gaelic culture and language, and creating friendships for life. This is a story of deep-rooted bonds and the songs that inspired them.
Filmed and produced by BEEZR, Beat the Drum: Dìleab Runrig premieres on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayeron Saturday 19 April at 9pm (in Gaelic with English subtitles), with part two airing on Sunday 20 April at 9pm. Both episodes will be available to watch on demand on iPlayer on Saturday 19 April.
Watch live or on demand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002b9gt