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The 2025 Ullapool Guitar Festival – A Highland Gem That Hits All the Right Notes

The Ullapool Guitar Festival, held from October 3rd to 5th, 2025, once again proved why it is a must-attend event for music lovers everywhere. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Scottish Highlands and Loch Broom, this festival is less a massive commercial event and more a warm, family-like gathering that celebrates the sheer artistry of the guitar.
The venue, the Macphail Centre, offered superb acoustics and a relaxed atmosphere that encourages mingling – you truly feel like you’re part of a community, not just an audience member. There is no ‘us and them’ here; guitar legends, up-and-coming artists, and enthusiastic fans all share the space, making for unforgettable interactions, especially in the late-night Festival Club. The Music – World- Class and Diverse.
The lineup this year was a perfect blend of established masters and exciting new talent, covering an incredible range of styles, from acoustic fingerstyle to classical to jazz- infused folk. Friday night set a high bar with a fantastic opening from John Goldie with Adam Bulley and Chas Mackenzie, whose technical brilliance and infectious energy immediately captivated the crowd. The evening was capped off by a powerful and emotive performance from John Smith.
Saturday was a masterclass in guitar diversity. The daytime workshops, led by luminaries like Hugh Burns, Clive Carroll, and Will McNicol, were invaluable for players of all levels. The afternoon concert introduced us to the beautiful interplay of Tim Beattie and Sascha Savaloni, and my own highlight was learning of the Spanish composer ‘Sor’.
We were then treated to the intricate, charismatic storytelling of Sönke Meinen (performing with Philipp Weichert). The evening main concert was a highlight, featuring a captivating performance by Clive Carroll with Tim Edey and the innovative sounds of Innotet with Will McNicol and Julia Malia (aka Jule Malischke).
Sadly I had to miss the Sunday portion however I spoke to a few folk who attended. Comments were that Sunday concluded the festival on a high note. The audience enjoyed seeing the next generation shine with a performance by students from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the sounds of The Lone Pine Pickers. A magnificent set from Brigitte Demeyer and Clive Carroll and the whole thing concluded by a vibrant session from Rose Room.
Beyond the Concerts: – What makes the Ullapool Guitar Festival truly special is the atmosphere. In addition to the concerts and workshops, the Trade Show provided a fantastic opportunity to check-out stands from luthiers and instrument makers.
Truly the spirit of the event is one of discovery and shared passion. It’s a place where you can discuss a new technique with a tutor, watch a jam session erupt spontaneously, or simply sit by Loch Broom and reflect on the amazing music you’ve heard (and the seafood isn’t bad either). Thank you to David Mackenzie for working tirelessly to ‘feed the 5000’ with a range and choice of wonderful food. And my personal thanks to Richard Lindsay and the team of long-serving, very professional volunteers who made everyone welcome.
In summary, the 2025 Ullapool Guitar Festival delivered three days of world-class music, genuine warmth, and a stunning setting. It’s a magical weekend that every guitar enthusiast should experience at least once.
If you’re looking for a festival that prioritizes artistry, community, and the sheer joy of the instrument, look no further than Ullapool. I’m already counting down the days until next year!
James Gillies, Friend of Ullapool, Dunfermline

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