Festival role: Former Festival Director and founding member.

How did you get involved in the festival?  In with the bricks and mortar as I was one of the founding members alongside Fiona Porteous.  We worked together and spent too much time yarning clearly.  The festival was a product of that.  We managed to persuade a bunch of other folks it was a good idea and the rest is history.

What makes HebCelt special?: Hosting the festival in the islands is something that the community here does extremely well,.  Everyone always comments on the atmosphere, the festival perfectly fitting the size of the town.  You really do feel the wave of support around HebCelt and I know all behind the event really appreciate all that is done to make the festival happen.

Best festival memory?: I have so many great memories over the years from front of house and backstage at the event but I think it has to be hearing Davy Spillane's pipes spark up at soundcheck that very first year.  It was truly spine tingling to achieve such a momentous thing.

Favourite festival gig?  Again so difficult to choose but I guess it has to be my final fling as festival director, teaching Sharleen Spiteri a smattering of Gaelic and the Texas show was superb.  Still haven't got over her calling me Carol though...:-)