Skelmorlie Aisle And Burial Ground, Largs

Built 1636. Aisle, originally north transept of Largs

old church (demolished 1802), and originally linked by

tall pointed arch, now blocked, on south wall. Coursed

ashlar. Entrance on west wall: ogival-headed door with

roll moulding, below square plaque with crest, and flanked

by single windows: 2 similar windows on east wall, and

window with geometric tracery on north gable. Angle

margins, with decorative quoins. Straight skews, thistle

and fleur-de-lis finials and slate roof.

Interior: richly painted ceiling, signed J S Stalker,

and dated 1638. Timber barrel-vaulted roof divided by

painted ribs imitating rib-vaulting, panels between with

biblical texts and representations, zodiac signs and

symbolic figures; the 4 seasons represented in the

corners, 'summer' including view of Largs town and old

church. Floor on 2 levels, upper level raised over

partially sunk burial vault, and approached by steps with

balustraded parapet. Elaborate Renaissance carved stone

tomb, canopy raised above panelled and pilastered

platform, supported on 4 pairs of double Corinthian

columns; 2 elaborate outer entablatures linked

centrally by raised arch with elaborate brackets;

soffits coffered; entablature with pinnacles and

decorative pediment. Symbolic figures over angles.

Enclosed by rubble-built cemetery walls with

segmental-headed ashlar gateway to west dated 1636 and

approached by stone steps.