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The project to protect the ruins of the apse and restore the Morton Monument has been spearheaded by the St Nicholas Apse Trust, a group of local interested individuals who are committed to conserving the building for future generations. St Nicholas Apse is one of the three earliest examples of a Gothic choir in Scotland, dating from around 1477. The only earlier examples are at Crossraguel Priory in Ayrshire (c. 1440) and Trinity College in Edinburgh (begun 1460). The Apse was sealed off after the Reformation of 1560, and subsequently fell into such a state of disrepair that the roof gave way. Since then the effigies inside, known as the Morton Monument, had been exposed to the elements, and had suffered damage and erosion to the stonework as a result. The Apse is a Scheduled Monument.  The first phase of project began on site in February 2005. This involved removing two 16th century stone carved figures for repair. The project was supported by WREN - who administer the Landfill Tax Credits on behalf of Waste Recycling Group, Midlothian Council, Historic Scotland, the Architectural Heritage Fund and a number of local businesses.
A second phase of the project was completed in 2008. This involved substantial repair to the stonework of the apse. This work will help to preserve the ruin for future generations and will improve access into the apse. This work was funded from a number of sources including Historic Scotland, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Buccleuch Estate, the Dalrymple Donaldson Fund and local businesses. The Architectural Heritage Fund provided development funding for the project. Photographs of the work will be available online in the near future. Please click here for details of guided tours and opening times of St Nicholas Buccleuch Church and Apse. The Restoration of the Morton Monument  During the first phase of the work the carved effigies of the first Earl of Morton and his wife Princess Joanna were carefully lifted by means of a hoist from the Morton Monument, the tomb within the Gothic apse of St Nicholas Collegiate Church, where they have lain for almost five centuries. The reclining figures were removed to a specialist stone conservation workshop, where restoration works were undertaken.
The repair of the effigies marks the first phase of the restoration of the St Nicholas Apse, which will also include the building of a protective canopy over the tomb to prevent futher erosion. Former Midlothian Provost and St Nicholas Apse Trust Member Sam Campbell said : "The St Nicholas Apse is a really important historic landmark in Dalkeith, and it is vital that we do all we can to prevent futher deterioration to the apse's structure. We can now look forward to seeing the restored effigies returned to the tomb where they belong, once the conservator has completed her work, and then to the next stages in the apse's restoration." During the restoration work to the Morton Monument two time capsules were discovered within the burial chest. In addition, the Trust interred a new time capsule commemorating the restoration work carried out in 2005. Click for more information on the Morton Monument, Time Capsule. Click for More Photographs of the Morton Monument St Nicholas Apse The second phase of work tackled the more substantial repairs and consolidation work required to the ruins of the apse itself. This involved substantial repair and repointing of the existing stonework. During this work it was discovered that the top of the building has a substantial stone gutter running around the top of the apse. In addition to the repairs, a new ramp was installed to allow easier access into the apse for those with mobility issues. Alms Collection House The St Nicholas Apse Trust applied to Historic Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund for funding to repair and restore the building known as the Alms Collection House (located at the gates of St Nicholas Buccleuch Parish Church). This is a small but significant building in the history of Dalkeith High Street. Work began in 2009. In 2010 the Trust held a celebration to mark the completion of the work to the alms house and the apse.  
Please click to visit the main Projects (Environment) web page.
Elaine Richardson
0131 271 3465
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