Back when we started the festival, it was all so much simpler. To be honest, we didn't have much time to put it together, and this can be seen by our only "Press Release" that was posted on the local community forum!

This year is the inaugural year for the Kintyre Songwriter Festival.

Not only do we have an astounding line up of talent, this year will also feature a tribute to the late Kenneth Campbell Gilchrist. Kenneth was one of the true Campbeltown legends, and those who knew him and performed with him will be playing some of his songs at the end of the night.

As well as putting together the festival that Kenny had planned, we also put together a CD of Kenny's music which was sold at the event, and also given to each of the artists as a gift. The CD, entitled "A Campbeltown Man" contains a small selection of songs performed by Kenny - most songs were written by Kenny himself, and if not, he played a huge part in them. The songs chart the days from his first vocal outings with local band "Too Damn Loud" through to his own solo material.

I find it hard to put into words how I feel now the first Kintyre Songwriters Festival has come to a close. It was an amazing experience. The whole weekend was a fantastic event for all who were involved and the talent that was showcased was first class. The atmosphere on both the Friday and Saturday nights was electric and the audience were so supportive to all who performed. The performances of Kenny's songs brought back so many memories and they were great tribute to him. Thank you to everyone who gave up their time to perform and organise the event, too many people to name individually but you know all who you are! Looking forward to next year.

Morvern Gilchrist

I have just had the most amazing weekend ever... Travelling over 200 miles down the west coast was not tedious in slightest, it was a pure delight. I now understand why Scotland is one of the most beautiful places in the world... I've never met so many talented people. So many heartfelt songs performed with such emotion and two perfect summer days to take it all in, it has certainly made me realise how lucky I am to have been a part of it... I know you have heard me say this over but I truly cannot express how grateful I am to have been invited to such a gorgeous place let alone perform at the festival itself. If only I could thank the man behind it all in person...

Lisa Polson

It was an unforgettable musical experience - the other performers, performances and songs were really out of the top drawer and it was a pleasure to be part of it all. The audience was amazing and very supportive - it makes a big difference to the performers if people come to listen. Hearing Kenny's songs in new settings made me appreciate their quality more than ever and I'm convinced they will remain part of the musical landscape long after the rest of us are gone. It was great to hear musical allies old and new but in particular, it was fantastic to see some of the younger guys step out from Kenny's shadow and it is to be hoped that this will be a springboard for them to keep playing their own songs in public. It's easy for me to say as I cheated and got someone else to sing my songs, but it took a lot of guts for the guys who hadn't done it before to stand up and be counted. I was in two minds as to whether I should join in the finale but decided I wanted to listen and I'm so glad I did - that final set was absolutely colossal! Finally, a word for the organisers (the real hard workers!) - everything was so slick and well thought out from the format of the show, to having Niall as the MC, putting the speakers in the bar and the hospitality.

Les Oman

I don't know what to say apart from the evening was amazing! Listening to Sunday Song brought back so many good memories and the evening was a great way to remember a best friend to all. Morvern & all the performers put so much effort into making it a weekend to remember, and I can't wait for 2009.

Wee Helen