Welcome to the

Highland Branch

of the Clarsach Society

                                
The Clarsach Society - Comunn na Clàrsaich  (Scottish Charity Number SCO11819) exists to promote the clarsach, or harp, and to help players.  Membership is open to all persons of any age or ability, including non-players.  The Highland Branch is one of eleven branches within the Society, which help to coordinate players and teachers in local areas, and occasionally offer concerts and workshops.  As the Clarsach Society was founded during the 1931 Mod at Dingwall, it is especially fitting that the Highland Branch continues to promote the playing of traditional music on Scottish harps throughout the Highlands. 

The clarsach is one of Scotland’s oldest instruments, played by the Picts as early as the 9th century, and heard in chapels and courts across the country well into the 17th century.  For various reasons, harping had almost died out by the end of the 18th century.  Although the music was never written down, we can recover the sort of music that was originally played by looking at surviving repertoires for fiddle, keyboard, lute, pipes and voice.  Fortunately, in modern times, harps of various sizes are available, strung with either gut or wire, to satisfy the requirements of players all over the world.  The Clarsach Society has encouraged a great revival of interest, especially amongst young players, who enjoy the clarsach’s adaptability to solo work, accompaniment and ensemble playing.

This website is managed by Bill Taylor.  Please send any news to him.