Tommy Emmanuel Guitar Camp Scotland is a 4-day event for players and music-lovers of all ages, levels, interests, and taste! Whether you are a master player, a beginner, or just an enthusiastic fan, our four-day programs offer activities and workshops for you. Our environments are non-competitive and are strictly about immersing oneself in the joys of music and our lovely surroundings!

Tommy Emmanuel Guitar Camp Scotland

Tommy Emmanuel Guitar Camp Scotland is a 4-day event for players and music-lovers of all ages, levels, interests, and taste! Whether you are a master player, a beginner, or just an enthusiastic fan, our four-day programs offer activities and workshops for you. Our environments are non-competitive and are strictly about immersing oneself in the joys of music and our lovely surroundings!

An Invitation from Tommy Emmanuel

Hello!

“I’d like to personally invite you to join me at the Tommy Emmanuel Guitar Camp in Scotland.

“This will be my very first camp in Europe, and I personally can’t wait. We’ll be staying at a castle called Atholl Palace in Pitlochry May 11-15, 2018. It’s going to be unlike anything I’ve ever done. Fans have been asking me to do one of these events in Europe for so long. We checked out a ton of spots, but Scotland really spoke to us.

“First of all, there’s Atholl Palace. It’s literally a castle! It’s the perfect space for us to enjoy the country and the guitar. You’re going to see a countryside and way of life that’s so beautiful and different—even from Europe. During that time of year, Scotland is just breathtaking. It might be a little cold, but it won’t be freezing. You’ll undoubtedly have a lot of great photo opportunities of this incredible place.

“As far as the days go, we’ll start off by linking up over breakfast. Every morning, I’ll host a two-hour Q&A where you can ask me any and everything. I answer questions, talk about my experiences, and give tips. We’re going to be a big happy family by the end of this thing. That’s one of the aspects that I really love about hosting these.

“Next up after breakfast will be the workshops and lessons. I’m inviting some amazing players along to join us, namely Richard Smith and my fellow CGP – John Knowles. Each guest has his own style and story that he can’t wait to share. I learn something from these guys every time I’m around them, so I’m equally excited! Of course, we’ll be putting on our nightly concerts too.

“Musically, I wanted to do something different. At this one, we’re going to teach a little bluegrass as well as some of my songs. Bluegrass is Celtic music. If you go back in history and listen to the early style before it was called “Bluegrass” as we know it today, it originated in this area as “Mountain Music.” That’s why a lot of fiddle tunes have that sound.

“It’s not just about me demonstrating songs (which of course you’ll get), but I’ll also share various techniques and exercises to improve your technique and smooth out arrangements. My goal is always to give attendees the tools to make themselves better players. You have something to take home. That’s a big focus for me.

“Ultimately, it’s all about having an amazing time together. The thing about these camps is they’re life-changing.

“My goal is for everybody to take away something unforgettable. It’s that experience. It’s a new way of doing things. It’s a new way of seeing things. Everything comes from hanging together, learning from each other, and playing from a pure point-of-view.

“We’re here because we love to play! That’s what it’s all about. I can’t wait to see you all in Scotland in May.

Sincerely,

Tommy Emmanuel CGP

Atholl Palace and Fonab Castle, Pitlochry, Scotland

This year all workshops, concerts, and meals will take place at Atholl Palace. Guests who want an upgraded experience have the option to stay at Fonab Castle. Guests who stay at Fonab Castle will be ferried to Atholl each day for workshops, concerts, and more. To get a better idea of which castle you want for you Scottland experience, check out Atholl Palace and Fonab Castle.

Scotland has been so good to me over the years. I’ve played in the country a few times, and I can’t wait to get back. There’s no place like it.

Atholl Palace

The historic nature of the Atholl Palace Hotel means that every room is unique, with quirky original features, however, the truly outstanding feature of almost all our rooms is the view. Every bedroom is furnished to the highest standards with more than just the comforts of home.

http://www.athollpalace.com/

Fonab Castle

Fonab Castle brings together a captivating past and luxurious present, making it something very special in the heart of Tummel Valley. Surrounded by breath-taking Ben Vrackie and awe-inspiring Loch Faskally, it boasts commanding views of the stunning Scottish Highland scenery.

http://www.fonabcastlehotel.com/

Setting & Accommodations

This year all workshops, concerts, and meals will take place at Atholl Palace. Guests who want an upgraded experience have the option to stay at Fonab Castle. Guests who stay at Fonab Castle will be ferried to Atholl each day for workshops, concerts, and more. To get a better idea of which castle you want for you Scottland experience, check out Atholl Palace and Fonab Castle. Both hotels include a full range of activities including – but not limited to – Land Rover tours, hiking, horseback riding, whiskey tours, and more. You can check the hotel websites for more information on booking these activities.

“Every time I’ve gone to a place that’s really unusual and outside of my typical thought pattern, it shakes up my creativity. I’ve always written music in these kinds of locations. We need change. It fosters inspiration. It’s going to be a blast.”

  • Area Attractions & Activities

    In the heart of Scotland with real hospitality, clear sparkling air, beautiful scenery, rich clan history, fine food, plenty of space and lots to see and do. Pitlochry is primarily a holiday destination, which caters for the holiday maker year round in its own special way.

    Hike through the Black Spout Woods to its beautiful waterfall, take a dreamy stroll to Queen’s View, or wander through the town of Pitlochry and explore artisan shops. Get lost in the beauty of the Scottish Highlands in Pitlochry. Both hotels include a full range of activities including – but not limited to – Land Rover tours, hiking, horseback riding, whisky tours, and more. You can check the hotel websites for more information on booking these activities.

    Visit Pitlochry

Schedule

THIS YEAR ALL WORKSHOPS, CONCERTS, AND MEALS WILL TAKE PLACE AT ATHOLL PALACE. Tommy Emmanuel Guitar Camp Scotland schedule will be announced in the spring. Below is a sample schedule of what you can expect at this camp.Our schedule will include workshops and Q&A during the day then concerts and jam sessions in the evening. Check back for updates!

OPEN MIC PERFORMANCES WILL HAPPEN EACH NIGHT ALLOWING PARTICIPANTS TO PERFORM EACH NIGHT. PARTICIPANTS CAN SIGN UP FOR OPEN MIC PERFORMANCES EACH DAY IN THE DINING HALL. 

Friday May 11

  • 3:00 PM

    Check-in

  • 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

    Orientation

  • 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM

    Camper Raffle for Mentor Session & Student Show

  • 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

    Break

  • 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

    Dinner

  • 8:15 PM

    Instructor Preview Concert

    • 8:15 – 8:30 John Knowles CGP
    • 8:30 – 8:45 Richard Smith
    • 8:45 – 9:00 Frank Vignola & Vinny Raniolo
    • 9:00 – 10:00 Tommy Emmanuel CGP
  • 10:30 PM

    Open Mic

Saturday May 12

  • 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

    Breakfast

  • 9:15 AM – 10:15 AM

    Tommy Emmanuel CGP Workshop Part 1

  • 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

    Tommy Emmanuel CGP Workshop Part 2

  • 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM

    Group Classes Rotate

    • Group 1 – John Knowles CGP
    • Group 2 – Richard Smith
    • Group 3 -Frank Vignola & Vinny Raniolo
  • 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

    Lunch

  • 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

    Mentor Sessions (optional)

  • 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM

    Group Classes Rotate

    • Group 2 -John Knowles CGP
    • Group 3 – Richard Smith
    • Group 1 – Frank Vignola & Vinny Raniolo
  • 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

    Group Classes Rotate

    • Group 3 -John Knowles CGP
    • Group 1 – Richard Smith
    • Group 2 – Frank Vignola & Vinny Raniolo
  • 5:30 PM – 6:45 PM

    Break

  • 6:45 PM – 7:45 PM

    Dinner

  • 8:00 PM – 8:30 PM

    John Knowles Performance

  • 8:30 PM – 9:00 PM

    Richard Smith Performance

  • 9:00 PM

    Tommy Emmanuel Jam Session

  • 10:30 PM

    Open Mic

Sunday May 13

  • 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

    Breakfast

  • 9:15 AM – 10:15 AM

    Tommy Emmanuel CGP Workshop

  • 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

    Tommy Emmanuel CGP and Guest Instructor Workshop

  • 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM

    Group Classes Rotate

    • Group 1 -John Knowles CGP & Richard Smith
    • Group 2 – Frank Vignola
    • Group 3 – Vinny Raniolo
  • 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

    Lunch

  • 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

    Mentor Session (Optional)

  • 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM

    Group Classes Rotate

    • Group 2 – John Knowles & Richard Smith
    • Group 3 – Frank Vignola
    • Group 2 – Vinny Raniolo
  • 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

    Group Classes Rotate

    • Group 3 – John Knowles & Richard Smith
    • Group 1 – Frank Vignola
    • Group 2 – Vinny Raniolo
  • 5:45 PM – 6:45 PM

    Break

  • 6:45 PM – 8:00 PM

    Dinner

  • 8:00 PM – 8:30 PM

    Frank Vignola & Vinny Raniolo Performance

  • 8:30 PM

    Tommy Emmanuel Jam Session with surprise guest

  • 10:30 PM

    Open Mic

Monday May 14

  • 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

    Breakfast

  • 9:15 AM – 10:15 AM

    Tommy Emmanuel CGP Workshop

  • 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM

    Tommy Emmanuel CGP & Instructor Workshop

  • 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

    Group Classes Rotate

    • Group 1 – John Knowles
    • Group 2 – Richard Smith
    • Group 3 – Frank Vignola
  • 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM

    Lunch

  • 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

    Mentor Sessions (Optional)

  • 1:45 PM – 2:15 PM

    Break

  • 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM

    Group Classes Rotate

    • Group 2 – John Knowles
    • Group 3 – Richard Smith
    • Group 1 – Frank Vignola & Vinny Raniolo
  • 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

    Group Classes Rotate

    • Group 3 – John Knowles
    • Group 1 – Richard Smith
    • Group 2 – Frank Vignola & Vinny Raniolo
  • 4:30 PM – 5:15 PM

    Break Away to Dress Nice for Pictures

  • 5:15 PM

    Group Picture (presence is mandatory)

  • 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

    Autographs & Pictures

  • 6:45 PM – 7:45 PM

    Dinner

  • 8:00 PM

    Student & Instructor Show

  • 10:30 PM

    Open Mic

Tuesday May 15

  • 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM

    Breakfast

  • 9:15 AM – 9:30 AM

    Tommy Emmanuel’s CGP Departure Lecture

  • 11:00 AM

    Check Out

The Guitar Camp Scotland Schedule is subject to change. You will be provided with an updated schedule upon check-in. Also, we will post the daily schedule in the dining hall in case there are last minute changes.

Featured Artists

“John specializes in beautiful chord arrangements, chord substitutions, and alternative ways of playing the same thing. Richard Smith and I can teach everything from Django tunes to Chet Atkins tunes to Jerry Reed pieces—and individual original songs as well. I don’t think there’s a particular American versus European style, to be honest. Players either play with their roots in Merle Travis’s thumb-and-fingerstyle like I do, or they play more like Andy McKee—which is in the roots of Preston Reed and Don Ross. I don’t think you can actually say, ‘This is a European style. This is an American style.’ I think it’s just a fingerstyle in general.”

John Knowles CGP

Richard Smith

Frank Vignola

Vinny Raniolo

Travel Directions

Atholl Palace and Fonab Castle, Pitlochry, Scotland

Locations are 90 minutes by car from Edinburgh and Glasgow

Address
Perth Rd, Pitlochry PH16 5LX, UK

Website
Atholl Palace
Fonab Castle

Contact
Contact Us

Get Directions

This year all workshops, concerts, and meals will take place at Atholl Palace. All participants will check in at their hotel and will meet at Atholl for all activities. Specific directions for Fonab guests will be sent out prior to camp.

If you would like to arrange a car service from either a major city in Scotland or the airport we suggest arranging transportation with Yule Transportation. Below is their contact information as well as pricing.

Elizabeth Yule Transport: 00 44 1796 472 290
www.elizabethyulecoaches.co.uk
sandra.elizabeth-yule@btconnect.com
Edinburgh Airport – Atholl Palace
Car : 130.00 pounds + vat
*Pricing is subject to change

Open Resort Location In Maps App

Instrument Travel

FAA Rules - Bringing Musical Instruments on Flights

Pricing and Registration

This year all workshops, concerts, and meals will take place at Atholl Palace. Guests can choose between staying at Atholl Palace and Fonab Castle. For guests who want a more deluxe experience, we are offering rooms in Fonab Castle. Guests at Fonab will be ferried over every day for workshops and concerts.

***Pricing is per person unless otherwise noted***

Room Types and Pricing

  • Fonab Castle Shared Room with Two Beds
    1,999.00

    A Standard Room with two beds and a roommate. Fonab is located one mile from Atholl and a ferry will bring you back and forth for activities at Atholl. Pricing is per person.  Pricing in British Pounds £1,523.24.

  • Atholl Single Room with One Bed
    2,499.00

    A standard room with one bed. The room is designed for one person. Pricing is per person. Pricing in British Pounds £1905.74

  • Fonab Castle Bring Your Loved One Deluxe Upgrade (for two people)
    4,699.00

    The deluxe upgrade features a premium room with a king bed. If you would like to have you’re loved one join you in Pitlochry but not participate in workshops, we recommend this price point. You both share the accommodations, dine together with the group for all meals in Pitlochry, and attend all evening concerts together. Fonab is located one mile from Atholl and a ferry will bring you back and forth for activities at Atholl.  Pricing is for one participant and one non-participant. Pricing in British Pounds £3,580.64

  • Atholl Shared Room with Two Beds
    1,999.00
  • Atholl Bring Your Loved One (for two people)
    3,899.00

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • 3 amazing meals a day
  • All workshops, activities, and entertainment for 4 days and nights
  • Parking
  • Wi-Fi
  • Transport between Fonab and Atholl
  • A Paige capo!

What's Not Included

  • Transportation to and from Scotland
  • Alcohol and snacks
  • Sighteseeing excursions in the area
  • Personal musical gear – please bring your own instruments

Pricing and Registration Policy

  • Registration & Payments
    • All rates are per-person unless stated otherwise.
    • All prices subject to change. Prior sales excluded. Dreamcatcher Events reserves the right to change any price, package or offering at any time without prior notice.
    • All rates are subject to 8.9% surcharge, which includes credit card processing and administration fees.
  • Installment Payment Plans
    • Upon registration, a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total purchase amount is charged to your credit card.
    • 100% of the remaining balance due on installment sales is automatically charged to the credit card on file on April 15, 2018.
    • Any registrations received after April 15, 2018 must be paid in full at the time of registration.
  • Cancellations
    • All payments and deposits are final and non-refundable.

For complete details please see our Registration and Payment Policy

Pricing is listed in US Dollars and British Pounds. The exchange rate is current as of October 2017.