• 01671 407352
  • 07970 359557

D&G Guitar Maker Kenny Hilsley


5 Dec 17
by Nathon Jones

The Bruce

I was recently lucky enough to have an extended loan of "The Bruce"; a beautiful guitar made by one of Scotland's finest guitar makers who just happens to be right here in Dumfries & Galloway - Kenny Hilsley of Hilsley Guitars.

I met Kenny some time ago at Kirkmichael International Guitar Festival just north of Girvan, a fantastic guitar festival run by the world famous guitar player Martin Taylor.  That festival is, sadly, no more but just over a year ago it was recommended to me that I should visit a local guitar maker, based just outside Dumfries, and lo and behold it was only Kenny who I hadn't realised actually made guitars.

A visit to his studio later, and the chance to sample the superb range of guitars Kenny makes, and it's safe to say that pennies are being put aside to eventually grab myself one of these fantastic instruments.

It's wonderful to have a first class instrument maker in our region and I couldn't recommend Kenny highly enough.  Add to that the knowledge that you're playing an instrument born and bred in Dumfries & Galloway and you have a winning combination all round.

Huge thanks to Kenny for the extended trial of the guitar and the opportunity to really get a proper feel for the instrument.  That in itself is an indication of the level of care and support Kenny offers potential customers.

If you haven't come across Hilsley Guitars before please take a moment to visit their official website using the link below.

Hilsley Guitars

In Other News


RURA and KICK to perform at Summer Trad Festival 2026

Multi award winning Scottish folk band RURA and new kids on the block KICK have just been confirmed as performing at this year's Summer Trad Festival over the 10th-12th July 2026. WOW! There's still time to save BIG with a Weekend Pass, but you'll have hurry as that offer expires at 6pm!  

10 Jun 26
Nathon Jones

Last chance to save with a Weekend Pass for Summer Trad Festival 2026 - extended to 6pm!

Over 10-12th July 2026, the very best in traditional music returns to Newton Stewart for the 13th annual Summer Trad Festival at The Vault Arts Centre, one of the regions best grassroots music venues. You can save BIG with a Weekend Pass but you'll have to hurry as this offer expires on 10th June!  

9 Jun 26
Nathon Jones

World-class bluegrass festival returns to Newton Stewart over 15-17 May 2026!

SpringGrass Bluegrass Festival celebrates is 5th year in 2026, bringing the very best in UK and International bluegrass/Americana/old-time music to you with concerts, workshops, open mic and pickin' sessions all weekend, LIVE in the Festival Marquee and The Vault Arts Centre in beautiful Galloway.  

7 May 26
Nathon Jones

Trad Music Trust

Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival will celebrate its 13th year over 10th-12th July 2026. It's an incredible achievement. The charity has created a viable, sustainable, event that continues to grow and develop, proudly celebrating the very best in traditional Scottish, Irish and World music. Make sure you book early for what is shaping up to be the biggest event yet!

Subscribe to Newsletter

* indicates required
Sponsored by:
  • Circa 16 Sound Recording Logo
  • Galloway Distillery Logo
Funded by:
  • Culture Ireland Logo