A DUNBLANE hotel has recently launched a new visitor attraction.

A secret 13th century chapel, uncovered in 1961, to the back of Old Churches House in town has been fully restored and is now free to visit.

The chapel is open Mondays to Saturdays between 10am and 4pm. It was restored by Alex McKie, owner of the hotel, and is used for christenings and small weddings. It can also be booked by small groups for prayers and reflection.

Rebecca Foster, marketing manager, said: “This small and charming chapel is, in many ways, a secret chapel, as it lay undiscovered for so long and has a fascinating story behind it.

“Visitors will find it enjoys an elevated position to the rear of Old Churches House and provides a stunning view of the cathedral down below.

“When Alex took over Old Churches House, which was known as Scottish Churches House, and was used by church groups of all denominations for holidays, respite and meetings, the chapel was in a state of disrepair – we carried out a full renovation, installing new lighting and seating as well as fitting a reclaimed font from a church in Selkirk.

“It was all achieved in keeping with the original character of this small and intimate space.

“We want many more people to know about this chapel, as we are sure it will be of enormous interest to historians, religious groups and tourists and visitors coming to Dunblane from all over the world.

“It has been visited by the Queen in 1967 and Pope John Paul II gifted a unique spinning wheel in 1982 which we still have on display.

“There is no entry fee as we feel the chapel should welcome everyone. In the summer visitors can sit at our outdoor terrace nearby and enjoy the views.”

Information panels, detailing the history and purpose of the structures are also available for visitors to read alongside a free leaflet, outlining the story of the chapel's discovery.

In 1961, volunteers stumbled across the chapel, covered in layers of mud and ivy. While its purpose was not clear, they almost immediately started referring to it as a chapel and erected a wooden cross on the platform outside, which still stands today.

Further investigations revealed a body had been buried in an east-west position, reinforcing the view it had indeed been used for worship and buiral.

Owner Alex McKie said: “In creating the business that is now Old Churches House we have always been very careful to make reference to the history of the whole site wherever possible and we have included as much information as was passed to us by the former owners of the building relating to the chapel.

“We think this is the first time the full story has been fully set down and told.”

For more, visit oldchurcheshouse.com