Harpers were just as important as pipers in Scottish Gaelic history, but their classical music is lost. The modern revival of the clarsach has regularly set sail on the pibroch ocean, drawing inspiration for new repertoire. For whistle players, this is a new adventure, but the Gaelic fìdeag is at least as old as the harp – bone whistles dating back to the 12th century have been found in Dublin. Today we present ground-breaking experiments composed by two world leaders: Bill Taylor in the historical harp music of Wales, Ireland, and Scotland; Allan MacDonald (Glenuig) in the vocal and instrumental music of Gaelic Scotland. Allan’s streams of artistry were intertwined with the harp historically, but unlike Bill’s they have a living lineage. What happens when you bring together their perspectives?

Preceded by canntaireachd and conversation at 1:30pm, hosted by the Pibroch Network.

This event takes place in the Bothy tent and is free to attend as part of your festival day site ticket. Please ensure you arrive in good time for the start of this event.   

The Venue

The centre serves as a national and international centre of excellence for the great Highland Bagpipe and its music. The Festival Site with the Centre Stage and Bothy Tent, as well as our food and drink tents will be on outside the Centre on McPhater Street. Ticket information is available here

Accessibility

The National Piping Centre and Pipers' Tryst restaurant has step access at both doors.

There is a lift available from the side of the building to all floors.

There are accessible toilets on the ground floor and 1st floor of the building.

During Piping Live! access is through the ramped entrance to the Festival Site, with ramp access into the Bothy where there is a bar.

There is also step free access to the lift access, which will be staffed by volunteers to assist you to your floor.

There is also an accessible toilet next to The Bothy.

You can see full access information at Euan's Guide here