Aberdeen - King's College

The Catholic King's College in the High Street received its charter from King James IV. This seat of learning was founded in 1495 by Bishop William Elphinstone. Union with the Protestant Marischal College followed in 1860. The latter was a center for the natural sciences, while the former was an arts stronghold. One of the college's identifying features is its huge tower (1633) and an elegant stone dome.

Apart from St Giles, it is the only remaining dome of its kind in Scotland. A stone replica of the imperial crown of Charlemagne sits on top of the dome. The oak choir stalls and the wooden ceiling in the chapel (ca. 1505) are preserved in their original form. Portraits of the Stuart monarchs, similar to those around the Mercat Cross, can be seen here, but they are carved out of wood.