[Celyn]

INteresting article from the "Herlad" newspaper website today 10/1/05

http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/31122-print.shtml

Da Vinci effect could be Rosslyn Chapel's downfall, say historians

ROBERT FAIRBURN January 10 2005

IT is at the centre of a literary sensation, but now one of Scotland's leading tourist attractions is to impose restrictions on visitors.

Rosslyn Chapel, near Penicuik, Midlothian, has had a huge increase in visitors since it was featured in the bestselling book, the Da Vinci Code.

Almost 70,000 people visited the fifteenth-century chapel last year, an increase of 56%.

With a film version of the Da Vinci Code planned , Rosslyn's popularity could prove to be its downfall, according to architectural historians.

They are worried that the building – the reputed resting place of the holy grail – and its unique stone carvings are being put at risk by the increased number of visitors.
As a result, this summer, the Rosslyn Chapel Trust will introduce hourly guided tours to prevent damage to the delicate carvings – including its famous apprentice pillar.
At peak times, the chapel will be closed to anyone not on a guided tour. It will be the first time visitors have been denied access to the chapel, which was founded in 1446.

To reduce pressure on the church and occupy those waiting for a guided tour, medieval gardens and an expanded visitor centre are planned.

A full survey of the foundations is to be carried out. Fractures have already appeared in the chapel's walls as a result of the movement of the structure over the last 20 years, and a £3m renovation project is due to start later this year.

Stuart Beattie, project manager of the Rosslyn Chapel Trust, said: "In recent months, with visitor numbers rising by an unprecedented amount, we have had discussions about what can be done to minimise these conservation risks.

"There would be less of a problem if we could spread the number of people evenly over 12 months but the fact is that we have a huge influx of visitors in the summer months.

"We do welcome the extra income which helps us fund our restoration project. But there is a danger that so many people brushing against the sandstone features repeatedly could have a damaging effect.

"There is also the concern that this number of people could really ruin the visitor experience. Many people could come here for a spiritual or illuminating experience, not to walk around with their arms clamped by their sides." Brian Park, of Page and Park Architects, who is working on the restoration of the chapel, said humidity was the principal threat and a monitoring system will be installed.

Nick Bridgeland, inspector of ancient monuments at Historic Scotland, said it was keen to protect the building from the "Da Vinci effect". He said: "This is a completely unique building that has baffled architectural historians for centuries. It is a great treasure and it deserves the best protection we can give it." Rosslyn Chapel was founded in 1446 by Sir William St Clair, the last St Clair prince of Orkney, and has been linked to biblical and Masonic legend throughout its history.
In the Da Vinci Code, an investigation into the murder of an agent of an ancient clandestine society leads to Rosslyn Chapel. The book has sold more than 17 million copies.