Fig. 808.—Fortrose Cathedral. East End of South Aisle.
Fig. 809.—Fortrose Cathedral. View from South-East.
In the angle between the two divisions of the aisle a staircase and bell turret are erected. Rising from a square base the walls are changed by a set-off on each angle into an octagon; a balcony is carried round the turret, and the top is finished with a modern pointed roof.
The whole of the architecture of the aisle is of unusually good design, and the building is altogether quite unique and full of beauty and interest.
Not the least remarkable feature in the structure is the range of canopied monuments which stand between the pillars on the north side. In connection with these monuments, the history of the edifice has been ingeniously traced by Mr. Chisholm-Batten.[153] The eastmost monument (see [Fig. 808]) is traditionally stated to be that of a Countess of Ross; and Mr. Chisholm-Batten, from various indications in the building, shows that it was, in all probability, the Countess Eufamia, daughter and heiress of the Earl of Ross, who erected this aisle, and is buried under the eastern monument therein. This lady was possessed of ample means to erect such a splendid structure. She married, first, in 1366, Walter de Leslie, and succeeded, in 1372, to the estates of Ross. Leslie died in 1382; and in the same year the countess espoused the Earl of Buchan, better known as the “Wolf of Badenoch.” He died in 1394; and thereafter the countess took the veil, and became abbess of the convent of Elcho.