The style of the western towers (see Fig. 544) indicates an early date, being all of early first pointed work in every detail. The great western portal (Fig. 549), with its surmounting gablets and side niches, is also in the first pointed style. The nine circular shafts of the ingoing, with their round moulded caps and bases and simple cavetto between, and the mouldings of the deep bay of the principal arch, are of fine first pointed character. The arch head comprises amongst the boldly cut mouldings four rows of dog-tooth ornament, and one order formerly enriched with a finely undercut and foliaged ornament, now almost obliterated. This doorway is evidently in a later style than the towers, although still belonging to the first pointed period. An elegant first pointed gallery (Fig. 550) likewise runs round the interior of the west wall over the doorway. The inner portions of the western portal, _i.e._, the two smaller arches and tympanum within the great arch, are of later date. This is quite apparent from the nature of the enrichments, which indicate the fifteenth century. The ornaments are numerous and consist of imitations of natural foliage, the jambs and arches are continuous and without caps, and the arches are surmounted by crockets, all signs of decorated work. The vesica over the central mullion has, doubtless, contained an image of the blessed Virgin, and on either side is an angel kneeling and throwing the censer. The great west window over the portal (see Fig. 544), which was formerly filled with tracery, is also of later date than the portal, every feature being of a decorated character. The tracery has apparently contained a large circle or rose form in its design, and has corresponded in style with the tracery which latterly filled the eastern circular light. This part of the building was probably erected in the earlier part of [Illustration: FIG. 550.--Elgin Cathedral. Interior of West End.] the fifteenth century. The arms of Dunbar and the royal arms are observable on shields above the arch, and the former may stand for Bishop Columba Dunbar, under whom it may have been erected (1422-35). During the fifteenth century great additions and alterations were, doubtless, carried out in consequence of the restoration required after the destruction caused by the “Wolf of Badenoch” in 1390. These extended chiefly to the nave and chapter house, which were both to a large extent rebuilt. A contribution towards this restoration appears to have been made by Robert III. in 1390, in the form of an annuity during the king’s pleasure; and in 1408 the revenues of the see, while vacant, were granted to the work.[51]