Christmas gift guide: carving out a quality offering

Visitor attractions are fantastic places to find unique gifts and cards, and the beautiful Rosslyn Chapel in the Midlothian village of Roslin, seven miles south of Edinburgh, is no exception.

Rosslyn Chapel

Each year thousands of visitors pass through the chapel doors to admire the countless intricate stone carvings that date back to 1446, when the place of worship was founded by Sir WilliamSt Clair, 11th Baron of Rosslyn.

The artworks have been linked to many conspiracies down the years, which will come as no surprise to observers of the curious maize window design, inspired by the plant thought to have been discovered 50 years after the chapel was built. And the chapel famously featured in Dan Brown’s book The Da Vinci Code.

The carvings throughout the building include more than 100 “green men”, which historically is a pagan figure presented with vines shown sprouting from his mouth to represent nature’s growth.

Perhaps one of the most intriguing sculptures of them all is the Apprentice Pillar. It is said that an apprentice mason created the work in his master’s absence, but when the boss returned, and saw the impressive artwork, he killed his apprentice out of jealousy.

The chapel – run by the Rosslyn Chapel Trust – also features beautiful stained glass windows designed by London-based Clayton and Bell.

To celebrate the trust’s 25th anniversary in 2021, the most recent stained glass addition was designed by renowned artist Joe Tilson, a leading figure in the 1960s British Pop Art movement.

For anyone who admires grand architecture and history, the Rosslyn Chapel gift experience would be ideal. It includes a voucher for two people, granting entry to the venue, tea and coffee, cakes, and a copy of the attraction’s guidebook.

The voucher includes admission to the visitor centre, which tells the story of the chapel’s creation and features interactive screens, as well as impressive views across Rosslyn Glen.

The gift shop has a range of Rosslyn Chapel-inspired souvenirs, as well as Christmas tree decorations, books, gin and ornaments.

Various events will be held at the chapel throughout December, including Sally Lyall’s adaptation of A Christmas Carol, on 5, 6, 7 and8 December , from 7.30pm.

Anyone hoping to explore the attraction in a magical setting will enjoy the Christmas Candlelit Visit, with six dates throughout next month.

The gift shop will also be open for Christmas gifts, and seasonal refreshments will be included in its yuletide offering.