Runrig star Donnie Munro is set for one of the biggest gigs of his career. It was confirmed yesterday that the Gaelic band's lead singer is Labour's number one and only nomination to challenge Liberal Democrat Charles Kennedy for the Ross, Skye, and Inverness West seat.

Skye-born Mr Munro, 42, last summer moved back to the island with his wife Teresa and family. The former art teacher will give Mr Kennedy the toughest battle of his 12-year political career but he would have to top a 7000 majority to unseat him. Runrig was formed 22 years ago.The five-strong band are currently in the charts with The Greatest Flame and their latest album Long Distance - The Best of Runrig, achieved a Gold Disc. Ms Judy Totton, press agent, said there were no plans for the band to split as Mr Munro takes on his political challenge.