Thistle Chapel in Edinburgh re-opens following theft-enforced closure
A royal chapel in the heart of Edinburgh's historic Old Town has finally reopened to the public after a spate of thefts forced its closure for more than a year.
A royal chapel in the heart of Edinburgh's historic Old Town has finally reopened to the public after a spate of thefts forced its closure for more than a year.
The Thistle Chapel in St Giles' Cathedral is the spiritual home of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, Scotland's order of chivalry.
Members of the order include the Duke of Edinburgh, Duke of Cambridge and the Princess Royal.
More than one million people visited the cathedral in 2015 but the chapel - which contains stalls for the 16 knights and lady, the sovereign's stall and two royal stalls - was locked in February last year after it was hit by thieves who stole a number of ceremonial items.
The cathedral has now hired two men to provide security in the chapel, which allowed it to reopen to the public on Monday March 7.
More than 5,700 people have visited the cathedral since the chapel doors were thrown open, the Church of Scotland said.
One of the guards, 26-year-old ancient history graduate Gary Wilson, said he was delighted to be playing a part in making sure visitors can enjoy the room's ornate carvings.
He said: It is a core part of St Giles' Cathedral and visitors come from around the world to see it because the carvings are quite profound.''
Visitor services manager Sarah Phemister said: It is one of the architectural jewels in Scotland's crown and St Giles' Cathedral is passionate about preserving it for future generations.
Being able to once again provide open access to the public is fabulous.''
The chapel, which was completed in 1911, was designed by architect Robert Lorimer and built in the style of the high gothic architecture of the 15th century.
Membership of the order, which was probably established in the 15th century, is considered to be one of the country's highest honours and is bestowed on Scots or people of Scots ancestry who have given distinguished service.