I WOULD certainly walk 500 miles to see The Proclaimers and judging by the reaction from the Southampton audience on Friday night I do not think I would be alone on that long journey.

For as soon as the bespectacled Scottish songsters hit the stage it was the signal for everyone to get into the party mood. And what a great way to chill out on a Friday night.

The twins' musical passion began after a childhood spent in Edinburgh, Cornwall and Auchtermuchty in Fife.

At home it was Merle Haggard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Hank Williams and Ray Charles that hit their record players. At school they formed punk bands.

Out of this collision of styles and attitudes came The Proclaimers in 1983. And as they say the rest is history.

Over the years they have nurtured a country rock sound that, coupled with heartfelt lyrics, takes a strong hold on emotions.

Their distinctive style, which has never hidden their accents, has brought them a huge following on both sides of the Atlantic.

Crowd surfing is banned at The Guildhall. But one kilted gentleman, waving a patriotic flag, kept his feet firmly on the ground as he forged his way to the front of the stage to pay homage to his tartan heroes.

Craig and Charlie Reid proved that there is more to their repertoire than just I'm Gonna Be (500 miles) and Letter from America. Although those two classics always bring rapturous applause from the audience.

The talented duo, who this year produced their seventh studio album, have plenty more in their song book.

As well as old favourites, like I'm On My Way and Let's Get Married, they treated their audience to some new numbers.

They rounded off their 75 minute set with a thunderous version of I'm Gonna Be (500 miles) With so much arm swaying audience participation it was enough to rattle the rafters of the old Guildhall.

It is some years since The Proclaimers played in the city. But let us hope that it will not be long before they make that 500 mile plus journey from Bonnie Scotland back to Southampton.