Ullapool Guitar Festival – Ullapool, Scotland 2026
Overview
The Ullapool Guitar Festival, launched in 2000 to revive tourism in the Scottish Highlands post-foot-and-mouth crisis, is a vibrant celebration of guitar music set in the scenic village of Ullapool by Loch Broom. Now hosted at the state-of-the-art MacPhail Centre, this three-day event has grown from cozy pub gigs to a dynamic festival featuring top-tier acoustics, hands-on workshops, and a lively trade show, all while fostering a tight-knit community where fans and performers mingle freely.
Blending acoustic and electric, nylon and steel, the festival showcases a diverse lineup from legendary guitarists like Hugh Burns to rising stars from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Its unique charm lies in its accessibility—no VIP barriers here—allowing attendees to jam with pros at the late-night Festival Club, explore rare instruments, or soak in Ullapool’s coastal beauty, making it a must-visit for music lovers craving an authentic Highland experience.
Event Highlights
- Main activities or performances: Five main concerts over the weekend with headliners like Hugh Burns and Clive Carroll, plus Royal Conservatoire students; late-night Festival Club with spontaneous artist jams.
- Special traditions or features: Core musicians like John Goldie and Professor Allan Neave return annually; evolved from pub sessions to a dedicated venue while keeping an inclusive, no-VIP vibe.
- Unique attractions for visitors: Saturday and Sunday workshops/masterclasses; expansive trade show for testing guitars and gear; Loch Broom’s stunning backdrop for post-show hikes or harbor strolls.
About This Event
- Founded in 2000 to boost Ullapool’s economy and extend the tourist season into October.
- Draws over 100 international guitarists, mixing seasoned pros with young talent.
- Features permanent artists like Will McNicol and Tristan Seume for consistent quality.
- Hosted entirely at the MacPhail Centre for seamless access to concerts, clubs, workshops, and catering.
- Offers free entry to all events for weekend ticket holders, emphasizing community over commercialism.
- Supports local businesses via trade show and visitor influx, strengthening Highland cultural ties.
- Showcases diverse genres—folk, jazz, acoustic, electric—appealing to varied string enthusiasts.
- Includes an afternoon concert highlighting Royal Conservatoire of Scotland students.
Why Attend
The Ullapool Guitar Festival offers an intimate escape where you can trade riffs with icons like Clive Carroll or learn directly from masters in workshops, all set against Loch Broom’s breathtaking vistas. Its no-frills ethos means you’re not just a spectator—you’re part of a community sharing pints and stories with performers in the Festival Club, making it a haven for guitar enthusiasts craving authentic connections.
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Beyond the music, Ullapool’s rugged charm and the festival’s relaxed pace create lasting memories, from impromptu jams to scenic walks after shows. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious fan, this event delivers inspiration, skill-building, and the warmth of Highland hospitality, cementing its status as a hidden gem for string lovers worldwide.
Date & Duration
- Dates: October 2 – October 4, 2026
- Duration: 3 days
Venue / Location
- Main venue: MacPhail Centre, 5 Mill Street, Ullapool, IV26 2UN, Scotland
- Additional venue: Arch Inn, West Shore Street, Ullapool (select late-night sessions)
- Google Maps address: MacPhail Centre, 5 Mill St, Ullapool IV26 2UN, UK
Ticket Information
- Weekend tickets only; no individual concert passes available.
- Sold exclusively online via the official website.
- Admission is paid; full weekend pass includes all 5 concerts, 3 late-night clubs, workshops, and masterclasses.
- Pricing in USD: Minimum $260, Maximum $325 (based on £200–£250 GBP at current exchange).
- No special seating or VIP options; general admission with open mingling encouraged.
- Wristbands collected on-site at the MacPhail Centre on Friday; confirmations emailed post-purchase.
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Contact Information
- Email: r.lindsay@btinternet.com (general inquiries and bookings).
- Phone: +44 7740 423554 (festival organizer, English support).
- Website: https://ullapoolguitarfestival.com (official site for tickets, lineup, and updates).
- Social Media: @Ullapoolguitarfestival (Facebook for announcements and community).
- Key Staff: Ron Lindsay (organizer and primary contact).
- Press/Volunteers: Email r.lindsay@btinternet.com for press releases or volunteer opportunities (TBD for 2026).
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; English support available year-round.
Getting There
- Nearest airport: Inverness Airport (INV), 57 miles southeast; flights via EasyJet, British Airways, Loganair from London, Glasgow, Edinburgh.
- From Inverness Airport: 15–20 minute shuttle/taxi to Inverness Bus Station, then Scottish Citylink bus 961 (1.5–2 hours, A835 route).
- By bus: Scottish Citylink 961 from Inverness Bus Station to Ullapool Pier (multiple daily departures, ~1.5 hours; book via citylink.co.uk).
- By car: A835 from Inverness (1.5-hour drive through Highlands); free parking at Tesco car park (IV26 2XB) or MacPhail Centre.
- No direct rail; nearest station in Inverness (UK network, including London sleepers), then bus or car.
- Taxis: Inverness to Ullapool (~$100–$120 one-way) or local Ullapool cabs for short trips.
Accommodation Options
- Hotels/Inns: The Arch Inn (01854 612454, seafront with pub); The Caledonian Hotel (01854 612306, central); The Ceilidh Place (01854 612103, artsy); The Ferry Boat Inn (01854 612366, harbor views); The Royal Hotel (01854 612181, Highland style); The Argyll Hotel (01854 612422, free parking).
- Bed and Breakfasts: The Sheiling (01854 612947, lochside, dog-friendly); Ladysmith House (01854 613286, family-run); Eilean Donan (01854 612524, garden setting); The Old Surgery (01854 612520, historic); Ardvreck (01854 612028, boutique).
- Self-Catering: Holiday homes via ullapoolholidayhomes.com (sea-view cottages, from $200/night).
- Camping: Ardmair Bay Campsite (open October, basic pitches, loch views, ~$20/night); Ullapool Campsite closed.
- Other: Book early via booking.com for Croft No.8 B&B (gardens) or Harbour House Guest House (sea views, from $200/night); many pet-friendly, near MacPhail Centre.
Reviews
- Jamming with a pro in the Festival Club was unreal, like stepping into a Highland dream.
- Workshops leveled up my chords, and the loch views made every song hit harder.
- From student sets to guitar legends, the vibe was electric and so welcoming.
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FAQ's
What makes the Ullapool Guitar Festival unique compared to larger music events?
Unlike sprawling festivals with distant stages, Ullapool’s intimacy lets you chat with stars like Hugh Burns over a pint in the Club. Its Highland setting adds rugged charm, with misty moors and Loch Broom’s calm shores framing the music. Workshops offer hands-on learning with rare guitars, while the trade show buzzes with custom builds. Royal Conservatoire students bring fresh energy alongside veterans, spanning folk to fusion. The October timing extends autumn’s glow, pairing tunes with cozy pubs and local seafood. It’s a soulful retreat for string lovers seeking connection over flash.
How do I get the most out of the workshops and masterclasses?
Book early on the website, as spots for sessions with pros like Professor Allan Neave fill quickly. Bring your guitar for hands-on nylon-string or electric setup tips, and focus on one skill per class, like blending styles. Ask instructors questions post-session—the open vibe welcomes it. Pair workshops with the trade show to test gear instantly, applying new techniques. Notebooks help capture riffs from Clive Carroll’s demos. Attendees often say these sessions spark breakthroughs that elevate their playing for months.
Is the festival family-friendly or geared toward serious guitarists only?
It’s for everyone—kids enjoy student performances and interactive jams, while pros dive into rare acoustics. Weekend tickets cover all events, so families can explore concerts or clubs without extra costs. The MacPhail Centre has family seating and nearby harbor play areas. The RCS showcase inspires young shredders with accessible tunes. Non-players love the atmosphere and scenery, often joining beginner workshops. It’s a multi-gen event uniting families and players through music and Highland spirit.
What should I pack for the October weather and festival activities?
Pack waterproof jackets and sturdy boots for Ullapool’s drizzly 45–55°F days—venues stay cozy. Bring your guitar for workshops, plus a notebook for jotting riffs from masterclasses. Wear comfy jeans for clubs, thermals for lochside walks post-show. Earplugs help for late nights, and a reusable water bottle keeps you hydrated. Scarves add Scottish flair, and binoculars spot wildlife en route. Light snacks fuel harbor strolls or nearby trails between sets.
Are there opportunities to meet performers outside formal events?
The festival’s open-door vibe shines—catch artists like John Goldie at trade stands, swapping tips over coffee. The late-night Club sparks impromptu duos where anyone can join. Post-concert harbor strolls often lead to chats at The Arch Inn. Workshops double as meet-and-greets, with Q&A spilling into pub talks. No need for formal intros—conversations flow naturally, from gear trades to life stories. Regulars say these moments turn strangers into lifelong session mates.
