Idlewild @ Summerhall, Edinburgh, 21 Jun

It’s the summer solstice and the Summerhall courtyard looks beautiful. Pals mill about with beers in the sunshine, chatting animatedly as they prepare to relive one of the great modern Scottish rock records, Idlewild's The Remote Part.

Tonight’s support act Paws have become staples of the Scottish scene over the past few years, with a trio of fuzzy guitar-pop records and an admirable commitment to appearing on any bill going. Tonight they’re on fine form even if, understandably they’re not the centre of attention.

Billed as another installment of their The Remote Part 15th Anniversary tour, Idlewild take to the stage and the crowd get ready for the chiming riff of You Held the World in Your Arms. 

But it’s not to be just yet… “Jesus is just a Spanish boys name,” sings Roddy Woomble and the opening guitar line hits like a gut punch as the band swing into Frightened Rabbit’s tremulous Head Rolls Off. When Idlewild last played live, it was the sadly departed Scott Hutchison supporting them and there’s real affection on show as Woomble’s Scottish brogue rises and he stares out over the audience.

Playing a seminal record in its entirety can be a real risk but Idlewild are on fine form and from a punky (I am) What I Am Not to singalong Live in a Hiding Place, it’s clear that these songs still hold a special place in audience's hearts. As Edwin Morgan’s monologue on Scottish Fiction dies away, the cheers fill the courtyard.

Even more exciting is the appearance of Bob Fairfoull, the bassist who left the group before The Remote Part was even released, for a handful of even older favourites that nod to the band’s noisy roots including the soaring manifesto A Film for the Future.

There’s no time for new material tonight, but before departing Woomble promises they’ll be back with their eighth record in the new year. This evening has been a celebration; both of the record that helped them become a beloved institution and the friends whose lives have interwoven with theirs. On the summer solstice, Idlewild still have one eye on tomorrow.