Thistle Chapel

This intricate vaulted ceiling of the Thistle Chapel within St Giles’ Cathedral photographed looking straight up. The ceiling’s stone ribs arc into delicate pendant bosses carved and emblazoned with the heraldic crests and arms of the Knights of the Order of the Thistle, Scotland’s foremost order of chivalry. The chapel was designed by Robert Lorimer and completed in 1911. It is open to the public via the main cathedral and entry is by donation.

The light is fairly consistent indoors, so any season suits. The chapel is small and the low interior light makes a tripod essential if you want to avoid using a high ISO, however it's often busy and a tripod may be awkward to others. You are advised to check photography rules with cathedral staff before setting up, and shoot during quieter hours if possible. In other parts of the cathedral there are more interesting features and ceilings worth taking time to photograph.