" As a harpist I'm aware that the harp isn't an obvious choice of instrument to mix in other styles of music. I'm passionate about the Scottish harp (also known as "Clarsach"), its history, music and tradition but it has always been my aim to take it into new fields."

Catriona was brought up in Dundee and involved in traditional music from an early age. A desire to master harp techniques to an advanced level took her on to study pedal harp, Scottish harp and electro acoustic composition at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.

She then moved to Manchester for post-graduate studies at the Royal Northern College of Music. This was where she met fellow student and classical/jazz bassist Matt Baker, with whom she recorded an album along with percussionist Iain Copeland on her own record label "Glimster Records".

Through a scheme called "Live Music Now!" Catriona has gained valuable performing experience and communication skills by playing in over 100 venues outwith the conventional concert scene in the UK. She has also performed and taught at several international harp festivals including her local 'Edinburgh International Harp Festival' as well as in Ireland, USA and Switzerland.

Catriona plays harp and piano in the Shetland-based band "Fiddlers' Bid" with whom she has toured extensively. They are currently working on their next album.

At present Catriona is in the process of creating a harp with a special tuning pattern as well as developing her style on the Camac electro harp.

History of the harp in Scotland

Various types of harp have been played in Scotland for at least 1000 years. During the clan system the harper was highly respected and employed by the clan chief to provide music for many occasions. The harper would play music for celebration, for mourning and, most magical of all, was expected to lull
the household to sleep (as the piper roused them in the morning).

With the breakdown of the clan system the harping tradition changed to that of an itinerant musician with a number of patrons and would travel a circuit teaching and entertaining households throughout the country.

By the first half of the 19th century the harpers no longer had a role to play in the changing scottish society....until now!

There has been a great revival of the gut strung Scottish harp since the mid 20th century and the revival of the wire strung harp follows. Modern developments include instruments which are more robust and travel well, have a bigger sound and a French harp maker has designed an electro harp which is becoming popular.
Catriona McKay - Biografia