Fotrose Cathedral - Chapter House

The earliest part of Fortrose Cathedral dates from the 13^th century. It is the undercroft or crypt of the two-storey building, known as the chapter house, which stands detached from the rest of the cathedral, although it would originally joined the north wall of the cathedral choir.

The lower portion of this stone-vaulted building is said to have been dedicated to St Nicholas, patron of seamen. A range of arched seats and an aumbry (a recessed cupboard for storing the cup and plate used in the celebration of mass) remain on each side towards the east end.

After the Reformation in 1560 an outside stair was added. The upper portion of the structure was rebuilt in the 18^th  or 19^th century and the building continued to be used but this time by local government, not the church. The upper floor became the town council chamber and burgh court room while the ground floor was turned into the local prison.