MSPs set to salute rockers AC/DC

Angus Young and his family moved from Glasgow to Australia in 1963

AC/DC are about to be paid a glowing tribute at Holyrood in recognition of the rock band's Scottish roots.

South of Scotland MSP Christine Grahame has lodged a parliamentary motion calling for the achievements of the group to be acknowledged.

Founding members Angus and Malcolm Young were born in Glasgow before the family moved to Australia in 1963.

And former frontman Bon Scott was born in Kirriemuir, where there is a memorial plaque in his honour.

AC/DC were formed in 1973 and have sold more than 150 million records worldwide, with songs such as Highway to Hell, Back in Black and For Those About to Rock (We Salute You).

In 2003, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Glasgow gig

They recently released a new album called Black Ice and will play Hampden Park in Glasgow next year as part of a world tour.

Ms Grahame's motion - entitled AC/DC, We Salute You - calls on the Scottish Parliament to recognise the band's Scottish roots; note that their popularity continues to grow and welcome their forthcoming performance in Scotland; and to acknowledge the musical inspiration the band has provided to thousands of Scottish musicians.

A Bon Scott memorial plaque has been installed in Kirriemuir

Ms Grahame said: "It is clear Scott had a strong sense of his identity, from the 'Scotland forever' tattoo he had on his arm to his playing the bagpipes on the AC/DC track It's a long way to the top.

"When they played Glasgow in 1978 the whole band wore the Scotland national football strip as their concert took place just ahead of the World Cup finals and it would be fitting if they were to do the same when the band play Hampden national football stadium next June.

"After 35 years AC/DC are still contributing to music and giving fans enjoyment worldwide.

"I think they have long deserved official recognition from their homeland for that major musical contribution and my parliamentary motion will go some way towards recognising that."

Angus and Malcolm Young are guitarists and songwriters in AC/DC. Bon Scott died of alcohol poisoning in 1980, aged 33.