Another episcopal effigy, attired in pontifical vestments and mitre, rests in a tomb ([Fig. 531]) in the south wall of the eastmost bay of the nave. This is believed to be the monument of Bishop Michael Ochiltree, who occupied the see about the middle of the fifteenth century, and added much to the rich ornaments of the cathedral. The tomb and effigy are evidently of late date, and both are much decayed.
In the north aisle of the nave are preserved two effigies ([Fig. 532]), said to be those of Malise, eighth Earl of Strathearn, and his countess. The figures are life-size, and are carved in a block of sandstone. “When discovered in the choir, the block was above a coffin of lead, having inscribed on it the date 1271.”[44] The figures, however, are undoubtedly of later date.
INCHMAHOME PRIORY, Stirlingshire.
The ruins of this priory are situated on a small island of about four acres in extent in the beautiful lake of Menteith. Its retired and peaceful position is well indicated in the name of Inchmahome, which means the Isle of Rest. This secluded situation has to some extent saved the buildings from demolition and the grounds from alteration; so that this venerable priory, surrounded as it is with ancient and gigantic walnut trees, and the remains of the gardens of the monks, has a peaceful and impressive beauty and interest of its own.
But although the church is fairly well preserved, the monastic buildings have not escaped the ordinary causes of destruction so entirely as their situation would have led one to expect.
The adjacent island of Talla is almost entirely covered with the ruins of the castle of the Earls of Menteith,[45] which seems to date mostly from the seventeenth century, and in the construction of which the materials of the suppressed priory, lying so conveniently at hand, were no doubt largely employed. The Earl must also have found the gardens on the island of the abbey convenient, and appropriated them as a pleasure ground.
Fig. 533.—Inchmahome Priory. Plan.