St Peter
Linlithgow, Lothian
This tiny church was built in 1928 in a Byzantine basilica design.
Although the history of St Michael's stretches back to medieval times, it is the unusual lightweight aluminium crown that strikes the visitor first. It was installed in 1964 and took the place of an original crown steeple that was removed in the 1820s.
Stepping inside, the parish church is of an impressive size. A church has stood on this site since very early times and the first record of a building dates from the early 12th century. Most of the present building is from the 15th century.
It has close connections with Scottish royalty as it lies beside Linlithgow Palace where Mary Queen of Scots was born in 1542; she was baptised in the church. In the mid 1600s Cromwellian soldiers, and their horses, resided in the church and much repair was needed thereafter.
In 1992 a dramatic new window was installed in St Katharine's aisle to commemorate the 750th anniversary of the church. It was designed by the Scottish stained glass expert Crear McCartney on the theme of Pentecost.