Tourism
Scaffolding coming down helps visitor numbers go up
Visitor numbers at Rosslyn Chapel show that 2013 was its busiest year since 2007. During the financial year, which ended on 31 March 2014, the Chapel welcomed 144,823 visitors, which was an increase of 13% on the previous year. The year’s total was the highest number since 2007/8, when there were nearly 159,000 visitors. Ian…
Special service to mark key date in Chapel’s history
A special service has been held at Rosslyn Chapel to commemorate a significant event in the Chapel’s history. Rosslyn Chapel was founded in 1446 but, following the Reformation, services stopped being held in 1592 and did not begin again until the Chapel was re-dedicated as a place of worship on 22 April 1862 by the…
Successful fundraising concert for village defibrillator
A concert in Rosslyn Chapel, featuring the Chamber Choir of Heriot Watt University, has raised £600 to support the Roslin and Bilston First Responders’ plan to have a public access defibrillator available in the village of Roslin. Over 70 people enjoyed the concert, entitled Excelsior per cantum – ‘the best of their age’ with the…
Work underway to improve overflow car park
Work has begun to improve the accessibility and appearance of the Chapel’s parking area for coaches and overflow parking for cars. The work, being undertaken by Luddon, will include resurfacing and creation of a new entry/exit point, off Chapel Loan, making the area safer for visitors. It is expected that the work will be completed…
Chapel reaches silver in its bid to be green
Rosslyn Chapel has received a silver award in the Green Tourism Business Scheme, following its latest audit, replacing its last award of bronze. In the report, the Chapel’s good practices such as its biomass boiler, rainwater harvester and recycling, are all highlighted. The Chapel’s partnership with tour companies, its focus on stocking Scottish products in…
Ready to welcome the world!
This year, 2014, has been designated as the second ‘Year of Homecoming’ with an extra emphasis on promoting Scotland around the world and providing a warm welcome to visitors. In preparation, Rosslyn Chapel has extended its range of ‘welcome’ leaflets to include new translations in French, German, Spanish, Italian and Polish. The leaflets are available…
Remembering Robert Burns at Rosslyn Chapel
In 1787, Robert Burns wrote ‘Epigram At Roslin Inn’ when visiting the now named College Hill house adjacent to the chapel. My blessings on ye, honest wife! I ne’er was here before; Ye’ve wealth o’ gear for spoon and knife- Heart could not wish for more. Heav’n keep you clear o’ sturt and strife, Till…
Countess of Rosslyn returns to television screens
Helen Rosslyn, Chair of the Chapel Trust, returns to television screens on 26th November to present a study of one of the most innovative artists of the 17th century, printmaker and draftsman Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione. Catiglione’s turbulent life often overshadowed his artistic brilliance and he struggled to achieve recognition in his own lifetime. Yet his…
Chapel preparing for History Festival
For the first time, Rosslyn Chapel is participating in ‘Previously….’, Scotland’s History Festival, and tickets are now available for a special events at the Chapel, from the festival’s programme. On Saturday 23rd November, medieval instrumentalist Jim Tribble was due to let visitors hear the sounds and discover more about the fascinating instruments which would have…
Junior Guides prepare for busy winter
After weeks of rehearsals, the Chapel’s new Junior Guides are ready to welcome school groups over the next six months. The guides, from Primary 7 at Roslin Primary School, will perform a short play for visiting schools, telling the story of the Chapel, and then guide them round the building to complete a quiz. Other…