Situated in Portnalong on the west coast of the Isle of Skye, Macdonald
harps handcraft wire strung
Clàrsachs and medieval gut strung instruments using only windblown and sustainable woodland timber from the Scottish Highlands.
Small medieval harps, renaissance harps and modern folk harps for 2008
Every clàrsach I make is unique, as unique as the tree that provides me with the working material. I do my utmost to maintain the beauty of the Scottish hardwoods that I use. The clàrsach's sound boxes are hollowed out from a single block of wood, usually sycamore, lime or willow depending on availability.
Decisions concerning the clàrsach final finish and the available timber choice are made in close consultation with the customer. I have been working with my own peat stain to cosmetically age the clàrsach's overall look. If required, regular updates and photographs of each harp's build can be sent to the client.
On the Isle of Skye between Tocavaig and Ord there is an ancient natural wood including many different indigenous species, This was originally called “Doire nan Druidhean” (the grove of the druids) Local tradition has it that this was a sacred druid meeting place.
I can embed a little piece of Birch or Oak form “Doire nan Druidhean” into your Clàrsach if so desired .email