The building of St Mary’s Chapel probably began in the 1440s as the first stage of the extension of the church over the steep slope down to the Putachie Burn. When it was dedicated in 1498 St Nicholas’ was one of the largest parish churches in Scotland. After the Reformation the chapel was used for many secular purposes but by 1886 when this drawing (the earliest known view of the interior) was published it was again being used for regular services. The original window openings had been altered, a wooden floor inserted at a higher level than the original, and pews formed from carved panels removed from the church above.

A major restoration of St Mary’s Chapel in 1898 attracted widespread public support and significantly altered its appearance. The original floor levels were restored and new floors laid in granite, in which interesting grave slabs, at one time in the church, were inserted. A stone Communion table was placed in the apse, chairs replaced the pews, and the old carved panels from these were used to form a dado round the walls while others were used along with an ancient choir desk were used to furnish a dais against the west wall. Two stained glass windows were inserted. Contrary to the architects’ recommendation, plaster between the ribs of the roof was removed, revealing some interesting, and puzzling, features.