Guthro, from Nova Scotia, Canada, announced two months ago that he was battling a serious illness.

He performed as a solo artist and was a member of the band which mixed rock and Gaelic music from 1998 until the members retired in 2018.

Former bandmate Pete Wishart, now MP for Perth and North Perthshire, announced the news on Twitter/X on Wednesday, calling Guthro “the nicest person you could hope to meet and a joy to play with”. .

LEARN MORE: Hoolie in Hydro range revealed as event celebrates Runrig

He wrote: “So sad to hear of the untimely passing of my friend and former bandmate Bruce Guthro. He was simply the nicest person you could hope to meet and was a pleasure to play with.

“An exceptional singer, musician and songwriter taken far too soon. We will miss him. RIP.”

Runrig later released a statement, saying Guthro had “finally lost a long battle with cancer.”

The band said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts and deep sadness that we share the news of Bruce’s passing last night, after finally losing a long, years-long battle with cancer. .

“Everyone associated with Runrig is heartbroken at the loss of a dear friend and such a special musical colleague.

“Our immediate thoughts and prayers at this time are with Kim, Dylan and Jodie.”

A statement from the group. pic.twitter.com/QZ3FZfVfYr

— Runrig (@Runrig1973) September 6, 2023

Fans responded by paying tribute to the singer, sharing memories of concerts they attended with Guthro.

Scottish Green MP Mark Ruskell said: “To many, Runrig and Bruce Guthro meant much more than music.

“His voice was a clarion call for Scots everywhere to think about home, Gaelic culture and the spirit that makes us so fiercely passionate about who we are.

“He may have been born on Canada’s Cape Breton Island, but his legend has been forged in the hearts of tens of thousands of music fans around the world. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and all those who will miss his extraordinary talent.

Guthro replaced the group’s original singer, Donnie Munro, when he left the group to pursue a political career.

Hoolie in the Hydro, an evening of traditional music, is set to return to Glasgow on December 9 with the event doubling as a celebration of 50 years of Runrig.