Scottish Blog

A Clarsach is an ancient Scottish harp instrument.

The Clarsah was one of ancient Scotland’s most popular instruments, with harpists being some of the most prestigious figures in society. Such is the extent of its popularity that there is even a clan named in its honour. The Clan MacWhirter, part of the Buchanan clan, translates to Son of the Harper. The Clarsach also lends its name to a number of place names. These include Harper’s Pass and Harper’s field. To this day, the Clarsach is a modern symbol of Ireland.

The Clarsach and its harper were thought to be an influential aspect of society, so much so that the use of a harp was outlawed by Queen Elizabeth I, as she feared that their song could insight political unrest amongst commoners.

The Clarsach takes the form of many classical harp instruments. The Clarsach consists of a wooden frame holding a number of wire strings, which are picked by its players. One of the earliest documented mentions of the Clarsach was in 1138 when a number of the instrument were played at the Battle of Standard. It is also mentioned in 1238, when Alexander III visited the court of Edward I, the King of England.

There are a number of surviving examples of the Clarsach, of these three are from an early period, estimated to be before the 13th century, their artistic designs imply that their place of origin is probably the Western Highlands. Nearly fifteen examples remain from later dates, most of these from about the 18th century.