Fàilte.

Situated in Fiskavaig 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, Argyll and Stirlingshire.

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 clàrsachs sound boxes are hollowed out from a single block of wood, usually sycamore, lime or willow depending on availability.

Decisions concerning the clàrsachs 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 clàrsachs overall look. If required, regular updates and photographs of each harps 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/Harp if so desired. email