ABSTRACT
The 18th century saw the continued decline of the clarsach in the Highlands. There must be little doubt that the disappearance of patronage for professional harpers was linked with the waning fortunes of a number of the great Highland families who were involved in the Jacobite Risings, and the consequent social reorganisation. But even before this time it is clear that use of the instrument was decreasing, and this was likely to be due as much to change in musical fashion as to political pressure. Still, it continued to be played by a small number of harpers, both amateur and professional.
