“This website is my independent free information resource on all aspects of the Gaelic harp, the early Irish harp or clarsach of Scotland and Ireland.
I also have associated books and cds for sale in my online emporium.”

This month’s video is the ceòl mór tune, “Maol Donn”, said to have been composed by Raghnall Mac Ailein Òig (1662-1741), Ranald MacDonald of Morar, the celebrated player of the pipes, fiddle and clàrsach. Played on a replica of the medieval Scottish Queen Mary harp by Simon Chadwick, as featured on the new CD Tarbh.

New for May: A new CD and an important scholarly article for sale in the Emporium.

New for April: A set of pages all about Raghnall Mac Ailein Òig, Ranald MacDonald of Morar (1662-1741). Also, my new CD of Ranald’s music, Tarbh.

Tarbh CD

Laments CD

Clàrsach na Bànrighe

Tutor book

Lessons book

Gestures book

Early Music

The medieval, Renaissance and baroque art music of Gaelic Scotland and Ireland is an historical oral tradition.

The beautiful yet obscure early Gaelic music is being rediscovered and re-interpreted by independent scholars and historical musicians. The old traditions, stories and cultural backgrounds are as important as the technicalities of the music and the instruments.

Masterly compositions from the historical repertory can be played on a craftsman-made copy of an historic instrument, using reconstructed historical playing techniques and idioms - with the artistic aim of bringing the old music back to life.