The ancient MacDonald Lords of the Isles saw it as their responsibility to support, encourage, and develop the Gaelic culture in all its forms. The Lords of the Isles built churches, supported monasteries, were patrons of dancing, clarsach playing, poetry and, of course, piping.  For more than thirty years, the Clan Donald Trust for the Gaelic Performing Arts (CDT), in the name of great Clan Donald, has been honored to carry on this important responsibility.

 The Robert Burns Society of Charleston is pleased to partner with CDT to bring to Charleston three of these important Scottish Performing Arts competitions:

The Princess Margaret of the Isles Memorial Prize for Senior Clarsach (Harp)

The Dan R MacDonald Memorial Prize for Senior Fiddle

and The Joseph MacDonald Memorial Prize for Piobaireachd (Scottish bagpipe).