Thistle Chapel, Edinburgh

Nestled within the historic walls of St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh, Thistle Chapel stands as a stunning example of Gothic architecture and Scottish tradition. This intimate chapel, an addition to the cathedral completed in 1911, is the spiritual home of The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, Scotland's foremost Order of Chivalry.

Designed by renowned architect Robert Lorimer, Thistle Chapel is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, boasting an exquisite array of woodwork, stained glass, and heraldry. The attention to detail is remarkable, with each knight's stall displaying their coat of arms, crest, and heraldic devices. The stalls, along with the ornate canopy work, are carved from oak, while the chapel's ceiling is a magnificent stone vault adorned with carvings of angels holding the thistle, the national flower of Scotland.

A focal point of the chapel is the high altar, which features a striking reredos with sculptures of saints and angels. Above, the stained glass windows cast a kaleidoscope of colors across the chapel, each pane telling a story from Scotland's ecclesiastical history and the Order's heritage.

The Thistle Chapel's intimate size belies its national significance. It serves as the ceremonial location for the installation of new Knights and Ladies of the Thistle, a tradition that dates back to the reign of James VII of Scotland. The Order, which consists of the Monarch and sixteen knights, gathers annually for a service of thanksgiving and rededication.