It has been one of the busiest times of year at the Cathedral of the Isles in Millport.

It was the climax of the Classical Guitar Retreat and over 40 professionals and enthusiasts from places as far apart as Mexico and Australia were staying on the island. Students attending the course had the privilege of lessons and master classes from some of the world’s best players, but together with members of the public also heard extraordinary concerts from these players.

The concerts on Saturday and Sunday afternoons were given by Polish virtuosi. On Saturday Marcin Dylla gave a varied programme which showed the astonishing power and intensity of his playing in works by contemporary and classical composers. On Sunday the Kupinski Guitar Duo delighted a capacity audience with elegant lyrical and yet electrifying performances including Rossini’s “Theiving Magpie Overture” and Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue”. For one listener at least though, the high point was a deeply moving performance of Chopin’s “Mazurka Op 17 in e minor”. This piano piece sounded as if it had been written for two guitars