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Medieval Architects in Scotland - 13th Century
In 1223 work was begun on one of the greatest of Scottish Gothic buildings, Elgin Cathedral, probably under the direction of Master Gregory who witnessed a charter there in 1237. The cathedral has been much rebuilt and suffered much destruction but Gregorys work can be identified as the transepts, which are the earliest parts of the existing fabric and the West towers, is early Gothic, though round arches are still used. Later work at Elgin begun after 1270 is somewhat archaic in character, but the polygonal chapter house shows English influence and the rose window in the East Gable resembles the one at York Minster.
Dunblane Cathedral was begun in 1238, the same year that work was begun on Inchmahome Priory not far away, and both of these works were almost certainly by the same architect. The West windows at Dunblane with their double plane tracery show close touch with English developments, and can hardly be earlier than c.1280 though their retention of plate tracery forms show that they were probably by a Scot who had visited England.
There are few named masons during the century :-
- Robert, a mason was making a grave at Melrose in 1206 and his handiwork can perhaps still be seen there.
- Master Richard was paid for work at Edinburgh, Stirling and Aberdeen castles towards the end of the century.
- Master Peter was to work on Dumfries and Wigtown Castles about the same time.
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