Clarsach associated with Mary, Queen of Scots

This is one of the two oldest surviving clarsachs from Scotland. It dates from around 1500 and was made in the West Highlands. It is said to have been given by Mary, Queen of Scots to Beatrice Gardyn of Banchory in 1563.

The clarsach is made of three sections: the soundbox, the forepillar and, at the top joining these two sections, the harmonic curve. The surfaces are decorated with geometric patterns, scroll work of leaves and foliage, and fabulous beasts.

The belief is that the clarsach, which was made in the West Highlands, was given by Mary, Queen of Scots, to Beatrice Gardyne of Banchory while on a hunting trip in Atholl. Beatrice later married into the Robertson family of Lude in Perthshire.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-190-000-742-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland H.LT 1
Date:	Around 1500 c. 1500
Material:
Dimensions:	812 x 510 mm
What:	Clarsach / harp
Subject:	Musical instruments (NMAS Classification)
Who:	Beatrix Gardyne of Banchory (Owner) Mary, Queen of Scots (Presenter) Robertson of Lude
Where:	Scotland Scotland, Perthshire, Atholl
Event:
Description:	Clarsach or Highland harp said to have been given by Mary, Queen of Scots, to Beatrix Gardyne of Banchory while on a hunting trip in Atholl, c. 1563, made in the West Highland region, c. 1500
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