VETERAN Scottish pop stars The Proclaimers are heading to St Albans next month as part of 28-date UK tour, with the famous twins looking forward to a spot of sightseeing in the historic city.

One half of the duo, Charlie Reid, who celebrated his 50th birthday with identical twin Craig in March this year, said they could not wait to tour again.

Since returning to their Edinburgh home in mid-2010 after a 15-month world tour, Craig and Charlie have spent the past two years writing and recording their ninth studio album, Like Comedy, released recently, and playing at festivals.

One of The Proclaimers’ greatest fans, comedian Matt Lucas, made his director’s debut on the video for single Spinning Around In The Air where he wrote a script about a golden wedding anniversary descending into drunken mayhem.

He managed to persuade the twins to undertake a career first - dressing as elderly women for the video.

The twins’ friendship with Matt was evident in 2007, when they topped the UK singles chart with a new rendition of their classic anthem I’m Going to Be (500 Miles) collaboration with Matt and comedian Peter Kay, raising over �1 million for Comic Relief.

Charlie said that while the hardest part of going on tour is the travelling, he and Craig consider themselves “lucky” to be doing something they enjoy.

He explained: “We absolutely love doing what we do. Some people drift on to other things, but we love to play live gigs. It is addictive.”

The twins have enjoyed huge success across the globe in a music career spanning 25 years, achieving gold and platinum singles and albums in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Charlie credits music for helping gain confidence as a young lad.

He explained: “We were both very shy as kids, and we overcame that through playing in a band.”

At school the Leith-born pair played in punk bands and formed The Proclaimers in 1983.

They performed regularly, and their first big break came late in 1986 when they were invited to tour with The Housemartins.

This year is a busy one for the twins, as the movie version of the award-winning musical drama Sunshine On Leith featuring their songs is currently under production.

However they are not bothered about being famous.

Charlie said: “Some people recognise us, others don’t. We don’t worry about it as most people are friendly to us.

“If you worry about how people view you, that would be ridiculous. Our job is to entertain people.”

The Proclaimers play at the Alban Arena on Wednesday October 17, the second of a 28-date UK tour.

Charlie said: “St Albans is such a historic city, we hope to have a look around.”