Few buildings in Scotland carry as much mystery, artistry, and fame as Rosslyn Chapel. From its intricate stone carvings to its links with the Knights Templar and the legends of the Holy Grail, it’s a place where every corner tells a story.
And while Rosslyn Chapel has appeared on the big screen thanks to The Da Vinci Code, this was our turn to feature, not in a film, but in ensuring its electrical safety for the thousands of visitors who walk through its doors each year. We were asked to carry out an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), to help protect this treasured site and everyone who visits it.
What is a EICR and why is it important?
A commercial EICR is a detailed inspection and testing process designed to assess the condition of a building’s electrical installation.
It ensures that the wiring, circuits, and protective devices are safe, compliant with BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations), and suitable for continued use.
Under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, business owners and property managers have a legal duty to ensure that their electrical systems are maintained safely.
For a public building like Rosslyn Chapel, with commercial lighting, displays, audio-visual systems and electric heating in regular use, compliance isn’t optional – it’s essential.
Working safely in a historic environment
Carrying out an EICR in a historic building like Rosslyn Chapel requires careful planning, precision, and a strong focus on safety. Our engineers worked after hours, once the chapel was closed to the public, ensuring there was no disruption to tours, services, or events.
Every step was carried out with the utmost respect for the fabric of the building, from using non-invasive testing methods where possible to maintaining strict safety controls to protect both the electrical installation and the centuries-old structure itself.
With a structure that’s over five centuries old, nothing is ever straightforward. Cabling routes can be unpredictable, and every circuit needs extra attention.
Throughout the job, our focus was to complete the tests safely while protecting the historic fabric of the chapel.
Our testing process – from dead tests to live verification
A full EICR inspection includes a range of tests designed to evaluate the performance and safety of the electrical system.
We began with dead testing, carried out before the system was energised. These checks include continuity testing to confirm all protective conductors are correctly connected, and insulation resistance testing to ensure there’s no breakdown between conductors or to earth.
Once completed, we moved on to live testing, confirming that voltages, polarity, and earth fault loop impedance values were all within safe limits. RCD testing (residual current device testing) was also performed to make sure these essential life-saving devices operate correctly within the required disconnection times.
Each step of the process is important especially in a public building.
Digital certification and clear EICR reports
We use digital certification to produce and store EICR reports securely.
This allows clients like Rosslyn Chapel to access results easily, track any observations or remedial recommendations, and maintain compliance records for future reference.
Our reports clearly outline each circuit tested, along with observations coded according to SELECT, NAPIT and NICEIC guidelines:
- C1 – Danger present, immediate action required
- C2 – Potentially dangerous, urgent remedial work needed
- C3 – Improvement recommended
- FI – Further investigation
Transparency is vital, especially when maintaining a public site where both staff and visitors must be protected at all times.
Keeping heritage sites safe in the modern age
It’s interesting to see how modern electrical systems fit within a historic building like Rosslyn Chapel. Behind the carvings and stonework is a network of wiring and equipment that keeps everything running smoothly. Our job was to make sure this system met current standards without affecting the fabric or character of the chapel.
No film crews this time, just the IES team making sure it’s safe
Rosslyn Chapel has had its share of stars over the years, from Tom Hanks to centuries of mystery hunters. This time, though, it was the IES team taking centre stage with our testing equipment and Edinburgh electricians taking the place of the cameras.
While we didn’t uncover any hidden relics of the Knights Templar, we did uncover a few minor electrical issues, all identified, documented, and promptly reported for attention. Ensuring the building remains both electrically sound and historically preserved is a responsibility we take seriously.
Every commercial EICR we carry out helps to make workplaces, schools, churches, and public buildings safer for everyone. Testing at Rosslyn Chapel was a reminder that behind every landmark, there’s a duty of care, to staff, visitors, and history itself.
At Ideal Electrical Solutions, we’re committed to maintaining that balance of heritage and modern safety, ensuring that buildings across Edinburgh and Scotland meet today’s electrical standards while preserving their stories for tomorrow.
If you’d like to discuss a commercial EICR inspection for your own premises, whether it’s a modern office or a building with centuries of history – our qualified team are happy to help.
Contact Ideal Electrical Solutions (UK) Ltd today to arrange a professional electrical inspection and digital certification that keeps your property compliant, safe, and ready for the future.
