Music of the Scottish Renaissance discovered at Stirling Castle

Photo: Finlay McWalter

A view of Stirling Castle, home of the wood carvings known as the Stirling Heads.

A recent discovery in Stirling, Scotland has created quite a stir among devotees of early Scottish music.

Stirling Castle, a Renaissance palace of Stewart kings, is home to what are known as the Stirling Heads, a collection of 16th-century wood carvings that once decorated the palace of James V. One of the heads, an image of a woman, apparently has music embedded in the form of 0′s, I’s, and II’s.

The music itself is thought to be instrumental and, perhaps, intended for the harp.

A BBC news article gives more details and includes a sound clip of the discovered tune.