Skelmorlie Aisle

The Skelmorlie Aisle stands in Largs Old Kirk’s kirkyard in North Ayrshire. Most of the old church was taken down in 1802, yet the aisle with its painted ceiling and tomb survived. Built in 1636 as a private burial place, it once formed part of a larger kirk. The aisle’s barrel-vaulted roof is lined with panels showing heraldic emblems and the signs of the Zodiac. A local craftsman, James Stalker, signed and dated the ceiling in 1638. Sir Robert Montgomerie of Skelmorlie Castle commissioned the aisle for himself and his wife Dame Margaret Douglas. The aisle is best known for its Renaissance canopied tomb above the burial vault. Inside lie coffins of Sir Robert and Dame Margaret, and a third said to be Sir Hugh Montgomerie of Eaglesham. Sir Robert’s coffin is unusually long, its lead partly removed long ago by fishermen who hoped it would bring bigger catches. The tomb’s heraldry shows the Montgomerie and Douglas arms, though some quarters appear reversed in an unusual arrangement. The painted ceiling also depicts lively scenes of the seasons and conjoined coats of arms. Visitors find the aisle beside the old kirkyard wall, entered through the adjoining Largs Museum. The timber ceiling panels glow with vivid colours and intricate designs. The aisle’s single chamber contains the tomb and vault entrance beneath. Outside, gravestones mark later burials in the kirkyard. The building is cared for by Historic Environment Scotland and can only be viewed with a guide from the museum.