Opera Scotland

Rosslyn Chapel Roslin, Midlothian

Known variously as Rosslyn and Roslin.

This fascinating building dates from 1446 and is the chapel of a proposed collegiate church, founded by Sir William St Clair, Earl of Orkney and Roslin. The chapel was dissolved in 1511 and abandoned. It was not rescued from dereliction and restored until 1842.

It is renowned for its astonishingly elaborate internal decoration, with complicated patterns of carved stonework. The most famous element is the so-called 'Prentice Pillar', which, according to legend, was carved by an apprentice mason while his master was absent. On his return the master mason was so overwhelmed by jealousy of the great skill displayed that he killed the apprentice.