Carmyllie Parish Church
Carmyllie, Tayside
It reaches 86ft (28m) and is said to echo aspects of early Irish Celtic design. The tower is 15ft (5m) in diameter and tapers towards the top, yet the interior measures a fairly constant 8ft (2.6m). There are several storeys inside yet few windows.
Curiously, the highly decorated doorway is 6ft (2m) above ground level, thought to be a precaution against raids. However, the design may have worked against the occupants if attackers lit a fire at the base, transforming the tower into a chimney. The church underwent a major restoration at the turn of the 20th century.
It is now an outstanding example of medieval architecture, with a 12th century font and Pictish sculptures.
It is also much visited for its lavish 20th century stained glass. See Henry Holiday's work in the chancel, and William Wilson's in the clerestory, it is Scotland's largest collection of his glass.
