Runrig have paid tribute to their legion of fans as they prepare to bring down the curtain on 45 years of music.

The Celtic rockers will play to a crowd of 47,000 people at two farewell concerts in Stirling on Friday and Saturday.

The six-piece added a second show after the Last Dance became the UK's fastest-selling concert last year.

Fans will hear the classic Loch Lomond played live by the band for the last time at the City Park against the backdrop of Stirling Castle.

Vocalist Bruce Guthro said: "I think we're ready. I think we're very proud of what we've accomplished and we're ready to give Scotland the show of a lifetime."

The Canadian, who has been touring with Runrig for 20 years, said of his time with the group: "All of it has been special. It's almost impossible to pick certain highlights - it's just been a great journey.

"The fans are are a family unto themselves and they are without question the driving force behind this band."

Since forming on Skye in 1973, Runrig have produced 14 studio albums and performed at Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Albert Hall and in New York's Times Square.

They are hailed for their contribution to Scottish music, the Gaelic language and Scotland's cultural identity.

Founding member Rory MacDonald said it is a love of performing that has kept the group going through the decades.

The bass player said: "We've tended just to go from album to album, we've never had a grand plan, or the idea we're going to take over the world - none of that stuff.

"Very early on, maybe after the third album, we knew very much that this was what we wanted to do with our lives. It wasn't for fame or fortune, it was just that we loved playing music and playing together.

"We've always had that sense of being comfortable with what we're doing. That's the way it has worked for us."

Guitarist Malcolm Jones added: "If you'd said then that 45 years later we'd still be doing this, you'd have thought no way, not a chance."