Edinburgh: Greyfriars Tollbooth & Highland Kirk, Church of Scotland, Nave

Conmemoration of George Buchanan

Window of three lancet lights.

This window depicts various heraldic crests in medallions within each lancet.
Lancet 1:
This window depicts the crest and royal arms of Scotland, an open book displaying a Latin quotation of Buchanan and the arms assumed by Mary, Queen of Scots.
Lancet 2:
This window depicts a portrait medallion of George Buchanan is held by an angel. Above is a Buchanan badge and below is a cartouche with an inscription and a Buchanan coat of arms.
Lancet 3:
This window depicts under the royal crest the national arms of Scotland, a harp with thistle wreath and palm branch and the badge of the Order of the Thistle.

This window was donated by Mr. James Buchanan of Moray Place, Edinburgh in memory of George Buchanan the neo-Latin poet and scholar. It was also the first window to be reinstalled in Scotland after the Reformation with a figure/portrait.

Inscription:
‘Imperii fuerat Romani Scotia limes: Romani eloquii Soctia finis erit.’
(translation: Once the limit of the Roman Empire, Scotland will mark henceforth the furthest reaches of Roman eloquence.)

Dedication:
‘George Buchanan, died at Edinburgh 28 Sept. 1582, age 76.’

Firm/Company:
James Ballantine & Son: (James: 1808-1877, Alexander: 1841-1906, James: 1878-1940) The founder James, was born in Edinburgh. He was apprenticed to a house painter as a young man and had few advantages in the way of education. He later campaigned for the education of apprentices beyond the craft/trade they were learning. He also mixed paints as a young man for David Roberts, a scenic artist at the Theatre Royal. He continued by apprenticing in Stained Glass and established his own business with George Allan in 1837. James was out spoken in leading the Stained Glass design aesthetic in Scotland and was incredibly prolific. His son Alexander took over the firm in 1877, he then trained his son James, who took over the firm in 1906.