WHEN Amy Macdonald told a packed Parr Hall audience on Thursday night that they had been the 'loudest' of her tour, it was easy to believe it.

The Scottish singer-songwriter rolled into town to play her 'acoustic shindig' (her words, not mine) and the gig was not only sold out, but there was a waiting list of fans eager to join the celebration.

Because despite this being a stripped down, back to basics performance, a celebration it was of 10 years since her debut album This is the Life sold three million copies.

Earlier this year she released fourth album Under Stars and songs from all four featured in this impressive show.

Macdonald performed largely with her guitar and it was her high-tempo renditions of Mr Rock and Roll, This is the Life and encore Poisoned Prince that had the crowd at their loudest, on their feet, clapping along.

The three members of her band, on guitar, bass (including a double bass) and piano/percussion, were cleverly used to produce a beautiful sound.

And the decision to use the historic Cavaille-Coll Organ, one of the few remaining pipe organs of its type, as the backdrop to the staging was inspired. It created a beautiful setting to match the simplicity of the arrangements of the songs.

When it is full and bouncing like this, the Parr Hall really shines and it is easy to remember and reflect on its past history.

It can rarely have been as still as when 30-year-old Macdonald was performing slower tracks such as Prepare to Fall which allows her to show off her gravely voice.

That decade on from her arrival, Macdonald and her fans can reflect on a career of success not failure, and on this evidence, there is plenty more to come.