Common touch keeps Proclaimers at the top

The Proclaimers ***
Edinburgh Castle

AS support act The Dykeenies took to the Castle Esplanade stage on Saturday night, eagle-eyed observers would notice that each member of the Cumbernauld group was wearing an identification tag.

But you suspect that, for the most instantly recognisable duo in showbusiness, there was no such requirement.

Wearing identical black shirts and trademark spectacles, there was no mistaking Craig and Charlie Reid, aka The Proclaimers, as they announced their arrival in front of 8500 adoring fans.

The identical twins could hardly have hoped for a more spectacular setting for their biggest-ever Capital gig. It was a night to celebrate all things Scottish, as Saltires were waved and, behind the stage, torches burned triumphantly on the battlements.

Although most members of the crowd were probably old enough to remember The Proclaimers when they first burst on to the music scene more than 20 years ago, there was also a new generation of fans in attendance.

Their introduction to the brothers' music was doubtless due in part to the re-release of (I'm Gonna Be) 500 Miles for Comic Relief, which topped the singles charts last year.

Somehow, you knew that particular song wouldn't surface until much later in the evening.

Instead, the siblings kicked off with New Religion, a catchy number from their most recent album, Life With You.

The song, which hits out against obsessive behaviour, was followed by In Recognition, which reveals their contempt for people who criticise the Monarchy but are more than happy to be placed on the Queen's Honours List.

If nothing else, you know you're unlikely to find the brothers ever sitting on a fence.

At one point, Charlie (that's the twin with the guitar) even jokingly referred to the royal box as "the republican box".

Although the crowd were clearly enjoying the gig, it wasn't until the boys played I'm On My Way that they really burst into life.

Craig even took time between songs to read out best wishes for people's birthdays and anniversaries. It's this common touch that has helped make songs such as Letter From America such a huge success.

It was obvious there were a few Hearts fans in attendance, with one or two boos ringing out whenever the football-mad brothers mentioned their beloved Hibs.

There was simply nowhere for Jambos to hide when it came to Sunshine on Leith, a song that has become the ultimate Easter Road anthem, as Hibs scarves were raised above heads and even the violinist was wearing a green dress. But, regardless of which team you support, it was a definite highlight of the gig.

Another highlight was the appearance of Wreckless Eric to help perform the band's cover version of (I'd Go The) Whole Wide World. The Proclaimers' version is predictably less aggressive than the original, but it's still a cracking tune.

The jaunty Let's Get Married was followed by the song the vast majority had been waiting patiently for: (I'm Gonna Be) 500 Miles. This time, thankfully, there was no sign of Peter Kay and Matt Lucas.

The cold night air was soon forgotten with enthusiastic hand clapping, feet stamping and familiar cries of "Da da da da" that could no doubt be heard way beyond the confines of the Castle.