The Lamont Harp

At one time referred to as The Caledonian Harp

Image of the Lamont Harp by Robert Bruce Armstrong

Feature	Detail
Date	15^th century
String Count	32 is the apparent maximum (though it may have been strung with fewer)
Height	96 cm (38 inches). The forepillar has been reconstructed and repaired and the current height may be different from the original.
Soundbox	Hollowed out from a single block, maximum width 43 cm (17 inches) willow
Current Location	National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh.

For Robert Bruce Armstrong’s detailed description see The Irish and Highland Harps pages 158 through 168. These pages contain numerous photographs and drawings, along with detailed descriptions, measurements and observations on this harp.

For further information relating to this harp please see the articles linked below:

Lude; the Robertson family and their harps— The history of the Robertson family of Lude, with whom this harp has been closely associated
Lude Owners–Family History— A table illustrating the main line of descent as claimed by General William Robertson and his son Colonel James Robertson and how that line compares with the records of the actual owners of Lude
The Highland Society and the Lude Harps— Examining the documentation of the harps while in the Highland Society's possession.
In–depth on the Lamont Harp— An examination of the historical background to this harp
The physical evidence and historic context — A study relating the history of the harp and the nature of the repairs it has undergone
The Lamont Harp Graffiti — A study of the graffiti written on the side of the soundbox

Some good coloured pictures of this harp can be found by following the links below to the National Museum of Scotland’s website. Simply select the thumb–nail image to be taken to the Museum’s own enlarged photograph.

Follow this link to return to Historic Harps page.

Detail of the brass brackets

View of the arm (harmonic curve)

Close photograph of the pins

Detail of string rib

Side image of the harp

View of harp showing tension on pillar