Why this matters

The clarsach has been part of Scotland’s musical story for centuries, but for many young people today, learning the instrument simply isn’t an option.

Harps are expensive. Specialist teachers are not available everywhere. In many rural communities, there may be no local route into learning the instrument at all. That means a child’s chance to discover the clarsach can depend on where they live or what their family can afford.

We believe Scotland’s musical heritage should be something young people can actively take part in — not simply something they hear about or see performed by others.

What The Next 100 will do

We want to create sustained opportunities for young people to learn the clarsach in schools and communities.

Our aim is for each participant to receive up to 30 weeks of tuition, with instruments provided so that cost is not a barrier.

Teaching may take place individually or in small groups, depending on the needs of each setting, but the principle is the same: meaningful, long-term access rather than one-off participation.

Building something that lasts

The programme is about more than 100 individual learners.

We also want to help build local pathways into:

• continued tuition

• ensemble playing

• performances

• traditional music

• further musical study

The long-term ambition is to help strengthen the clarsach tradition at community level and make it easier for young people to see the instrument as something that belongs to them.

Our goal

By 2030, we want:

100 new young clarsach players
receiving sustained tuition

3,000 lessons
if every participant completes a 30-week programme

More harps in schools and communities
creating opportunities for future generations

And to make that possible, we aim to raise £100,000 towards tuition, instruments, tutor travel and programme delivery

By 2030, we want 100 more young people to be able to say:

“I play the clarsach.”

Help us make that happen.

How You Can Help

There are many ways to support The Next 100 and help create a new generation of clarsach players.

Sponsor a young player

A contribution towards tuition can help a young person receive sustained, high-quality clarsach lessons over the course of a year.

Donate an instrument

Good-quality lever harps are one of the biggest practical barriers to expanding the programme. If you have a suitable harp that is no longer being used, we would be very happy to discuss whether it could support a young player or school.

Become a Patron

Larger individual gifts can support tuition, instruments, tutor travel and programme development across several communities. Patrons will receive updates on the impact of their support and invitations to selected events and performances.

Corporate and organisational support

We would love to hear from businesses, clans, trusts, foundations and cultural organisations interested in supporting Scotland’s musical heritage through sponsorship, grants or partnership.

Help us make connections

Introductions can be just as valuable as donations. If you know a school, community, potential funder, instrument donor or organisation that could help us reach more young people, we would love to hear from you.

Leave a legacy

A gift in your will can help ensure future generations continue to have access to Scotland’s national instrument.