Research reveals Rosslyn Chapel’s most popular carving
A highly decorated stone pillar, reputedly carved by the Master Mason’s Apprentice, has been named the favourite feature of Rosslyn Chapel, in a survey of visitors.
Research was carried out for Rosslyn Chapel Trust by Shanks Research Consultancy over the past year and sampled 4,414 visitors. The Chapel’s famous Apprentice Pillar was named by 53% of visitors as their favourite feature, with carvings of the Green Man, Angel playing bagpipes, Seven Deadly Sins and the Mason’s Pillar also named as being among the most popular.
Rosslyn Chapel, in Midlothian, was founded in 1446 and practically every surface inside and outside this unique building is carved in an outstanding display of medieval craftsmanship. According to legend, the Apprentice Pillar was carved by the Master Mason’s young apprentice, while the Master Mason was travelling abroad to seek inspiration for carving this important pillar himself. When he returned, he is said to have flown into a jealous rage on seeing the outcome of his apprentice’s work and struck the apprentice on the head killing him. The Master Mason was then said to have been put to death for this act of murder. Inside the Chapel, a carved face of the Master Mason continues to look down at the famous work of his apprentice.
The Chapel came to global prominence when it featured in Dan Brown’s novel The Da Vinci Code and the subsequent film. The site attracted 159,000 visitors between April 2025 and March 2026 and is open all year round.
Have you been to visit the Chapel? Why not go and see for yourself..
Photo credit: Peter Smith/ Rosslyn Chapel Trust
Further information from:
Ian Gardner
Director, Rosslyn Chapel Trust
Rosslyn Chapel, Chapel Loan, Roslin,
Midlothian, EH25 9PU
Scottish charity number SC024324
www.rosslynchapel.com
23 April 2026
