A NEW replica of the famous medieval “Queen Mary” harp has arrived with its new owner in St Andrews, for its first public appearance this week.

It was commissioned by historical harp specialist Simon Chadwick from sculptor David Patton, of Roscommon in Ireland, who modelled it on one of only three surviving medieval Gaelic harps from Scotland and Ireland. The original is held in the Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, the replica is probably the most faithful yet made.

Simon said it copied the shape and form of the original, and its intricate decoration of carving, wood- burning and paint. With its subtle yet bold design and colouring, it is a “stunning” object that brings back to life a medieval sculpture of European importance.

Simon and David gathered copies of published drawings and measurements, and went to Edinbvurgh to inspect the original at close quarters.

The harp is carved from only four pieces of wood; the soundbox hewn from a massive block of unseasoned willow felled in Dublin in January; the neck is of plane (sycamore), the front pillar is from a curved limb of apple wood, cut from an old orchard. The back of the soundbox is closed with a flat panel of rowan from the Iron Mountains in Leitrim.

Simon said it will take time for the harp to develop its “full voice” but it already sounds rich and powerful, yet suprisingly sweet.

The Queen Mary harp is traditionally associated with Mary, Queen of Scots, said to have been a gift from her to Beatrix Gardyn in about 1565. It was preserved by Gardyn’s descendants until 1880 when it was moved to the National Museum.

The new harp will make its public debut on Thursday at the House of Falkland, when Simon will appear with Fife fiddle player Karen Hannah in a concert organised by Falkland Centre for Stewardship and the Friends of Wighton. It will also be in the Wighton Heritage Centre, Dundee Central Library, Wellgate, every Saturday from this week as Simon is giving weekly tuition in early clarsach.