Documents

Where documents include maps, the use of this data is subject to terms and conditions (https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/termsandconditions).

The legal document available for download below constitutes the formal designation of the monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The additional details provided on this page are provided for information purposes only and do not form part of the designation. Historic Environment Scotland accepts no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on any inaccuracies within this additional information.

• Type

  Legal Documents

  Title

  SM5274_Legal Doc

  Download(https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/document/600011177)

Summary

Description

The monument consists of the remains of a pre-Reformation chapel, dedicated in 1469. The building is called, "The chapel of St Mary" or "Our Lady's chapel of Rossdhu." The building was used as the family burial place for the Barons of Luss. The rectangular, gabled structure, orientated E-W, measures 10.45m by 6.4m over walls 0.65m thick. The walls (3m to wallhead and c.5m to gable top) are of random rubble with freestone dressings. All the openings are square-headed. The entrance is in the S wall.

There are two opposed windows towards the E end; the N one is blocked and the S one has an iron grill. In the outside face of the E gable is a dovecot of 24 nest-holes. Other features in the E gable are a small window with a square credence or aumbry niche below and to the S of it. There is a window in the lower W gable; above this and extending over part of the nave was a timber loft.

This upper level had a small fireplace with moulded corbels supporting its lintel. North of the fireplace is a small window which is now blocked. Here was probably a priest's room. The floor of the chapel is covered with slate grave slabs. There are five quatrefoil tablets lying inside the E gable. The central one has a figure carved in relief.

The area to be scheduled is rectangular and measures a maximum of 20m E-W by 15m N-S to be centred on the chapel, including the chapel and the gravestones, as shown in red on the accompanying map.

Statement of National Importance

The monument is of national importance because it is a well-preserved structure of medieval date which provides evidence and has the potential to provide further evidence through excavation, for ecclesiastical architecture, burial practice and clan history of the late fifteenth century. Its value is enhanced by its association with the remains of the narby Rossdhu castle.

References

Bibliography

About Scheduled Monuments

Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for designating sites and places at the national level. These designations are Scheduled monuments, Listed buildings, Inventory of gardens and designed landscapes and Inventory of historic battlefields.

We make recommendations to the Scottish Government about historic marine protected areas, and the Scottish Ministers decide whether to designate.

Scheduling is the process that identifies, designates and provides statutory protection for monuments and archaeological sites of national importance as set out in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

We schedule sites and monuments that are found to be of national importance using the selection guidance published in Designation Policy and Selection Guidance (2019)

Scheduled monument records provide an indication of the national importance of the scheduled monument which has been identified by the description and map. The description and map (see ‘legal documents’ above) showing the scheduled area is the designation of the monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The statement of national importance and additional information provided are supplementary and provided for general information purposes only. Historic Environment Scotland accepts no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on any inaccuracies within the statement of national importance or additional information. These records are not definitive historical or archaeological accounts or a complete description of the monument(s).

The format of scheduled monument records has changed over time. Earlier records will usually be brief. Some information will not have been recorded and the map will not be to current standards. Even if what is described and what is mapped has changed, the monument is still scheduled.

Scheduled monument consent is required to carry out certain work, including repairs, to scheduled monuments. Applications for scheduled monument consent are made to us. We are happy to discuss your proposals with you before you apply and we do not charge for advice or consent. More information about consent and how to apply for it can be found on our website at www.historicenvironment.scot.

Find out more about scheduling and our other designations at www.historicenvironment.scot/advice-and-support. You can contact us on 0131 668 8914 or at designations@hes.scot.