Ever since being given a Swiss Army knife for his seventh birthday, Rory has always been fascinated with wood and its capabilities. Back then he would often spend hours whittling boats or making bows and arrows. Over time, the projects became bigger and the fascination grew.

The move from furniture to guitars was a fairly natural one, however the learning curve was nearly vertical. I am essentially self-taught in the art of instrument making beyond the wood working. I had no preconceived ideas about what the limits of a guitar were. Over the sixteen years of my career I have constantly asked questions, tested ideas and sought to understand the limits within these. Through this questioning and experimental approach I have gained a vast understanding of the elements that make up an instrument’s complex sound and its requirements over its long life. It is because of this and the combined understanding of the team that we are able to offer instruments that are unique to their owners taste and desires. - Rory Dowling, 2023

In 2013, Rory moved to the East Neuk of Fife where he began renovating and converting an old dairy on Balcaskie Estate. Since then, the team has grown to include Gemma, Zachie, Caelin and Rona.

Collaboration is now central to how we operate as a team. By sharing ideas, testing theories, and collectively challenging our perceptions and preconceptions about what is possible in the design and build process, we continually evolve as creatives and makers. We, as a team, are committed to pushing the boundaries of the modern luthiery.

Head Luthier

Zachie Morris began as an apprentice at Taran Guitars in spring 2019. He quickly excelled in his training, demonstrating exceptional skill and a keen dedication to craft. After finishing school in 2020 he joined the workshop full-time; his superb woodworking and fresh perspective have become central to the character and quality of every Taran instrument.

Luthier

Rona Macleod joined the team in January 2026 to work on our Springwell mandolins. With an HND in Stringed Instrument Making from Glasgow Clyde College, Rona has already proven herself a valuable member of the team. Her meticulous woodworking skills and her ability to learn and adapt to new processes have got this year’s run of mandolins off to a flying start.

Luthier & Brand Manager

Caelin Harrington joined Taran Guitars in November 2021 as a part‑time Guitar Technician and Workshop Assistant, becoming full‑time Guitar Technician and Media Coordinator in May 2022. With a Music degree (University of Edinburgh) and an HNC in Stringed Instrument Making (Glasgow Clyde College), his meticulous eye to detail oversee the final stages of each build. As Brand Manager he leads on communicating our story to the world.

People & Projects Manager

In between working part-time as a lecturer, Gemma Dowling also spends one day a week with Taran Guitars. She looks after client liaison, finance and the company’s administrative duties. Gemma enjoys getting to know clients during their instrument builds and has played a central role in supporting the company’s growth and development over the last few years.

the taran

“Taran is Gaelic for ‘Thunder’. Ever since my childhood I have spent many an hour roaming the hills of the Outer Hebrides on Scotland's West Coast. One of the hills of Harris which has always struck me with great awe and mystery is ‘Taran Mhor’. Tucked behind the steep climbs of ‘Sgianait’, its western face rises vertically from the waters of the mouth of Loch Reasort and then falls north slowly until it turns into the first flat plains of Lewis. I've seen the Taran in high summer days basking in light breeze and I've seen her in deep winter gloom, brooding over days gone by.

Every day she has a tale to sing.”

Rory Dowling, 2020