Clarsach, associated with Mary, Queen of Scots

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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 has three sections: the soundbow, the forepillar, and at the top, joining these two sections, the harmonic curve. The surfaces are decorated with geometrical 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: 000-190-001-133-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.LT 1
• Date: Around 1500
  c. 1500
  
• Material: Clarsach / harp
  
• 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
  
• References:
  • Caldwell, D.H. (ed). Angels Nobles and Unicorns: Art and Patronage in Medieval Scotland. Edinburgh: NMS, 1982 
  • Sanger, K., & Kinnaird, A. Tree of Strings, Crann Nan Teud: A History of the Harp in Scotland. Midlothian: Kinmor Music, 1992 
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