Campbeltown man Kenneth Thomson BEM has celebrated 40 years of conducting the famous Glasgow Gaelic Musical Association choir by hosting a concert in his hometown.
Kenneth joined the choir in 1968 as a singing member, intending only to go to one Royal National Mòd, but continued, taking over as conductor in 1983 – and has had considerable success since.
Under Kenneth’s leadership the choir has won the prestigious Lovat and Tullibardine trophy on six occasions and, just the week before last Saturday evening’s Campbeltown concert, the choir won the Esme Smythe Trophy at this year’s Royal National Mòd in Paisley.
Kenneth has published a memoir of his time in the choir, entitled The GG and Me, and in 2021, he was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Gaelic choral music.
The choir was supported at the 40th anniversary celebratory concert in Campbeltown Parish Church by the ladies of Kintyre Chorale, under the baton of Mhairi Renton.
All proceeds from the concert – an incredible £1,305.50 – will be donated to the Beatson Cancer Charity.
Kenneth told the Courier afterwards: “It was great to have the opportunity to put on a concert in my home town and to raise such a good amount for the Beatson Cancer Charity.
“The reception from the audience was so warm and enthusiastic, and all the choir enjoyed it so much.
“The performance of Kintyre Chorale was so professional and my choir loved hearing them.
“All in all, it was a wonderful celebration of my 40 years conducting the GG and the celebrations continued back at the hotel until the early hours!”