arcade, with a passage in the thickness of the wall. Externally, the windows of the clerestory of the north transept are plain pointed arches. Throughout the building the windows are mostly designed as triplet lancets, enclosed in one pointed arch (Fig. 559). In some cases the enclosing arch [Illustration: FIG. 559.--Pluscarden Priory. View from South-East.] [Illustration: FIG. 560.--Pluscarden Priory. East Side of South Transept.] assumes a segmental pointed form, which enables the side lancets to be carried higher than in the ordinary arch. This is observable in the clerestory of the south transept (east side), both in the exterior and interior (see Figs. 559 and 560). The mode in which the face of the wall in the inside of the clerestory passage is carried in this position is very effective, and well worthy of notice. A somewhat similar arrangement is carried out in the clerestory on the west side of the south transept (Fig. 561), but is modified over the arch into the nave, so as to allow of the wall passage being carried up a few steps in the thickness of the wall. This arrangement forms a kind of triforium. The moulded work of the transepts is simple, and the shafts, caps, and arch mouldings are distinctly of first pointed date. But this part of the structure has been dreadfully damaged, the shafts of the piers, with their caps and bases, having all been burned, and have crumbled away, presenting a most disfigured appearance. This appears to have been the result of the fire afterwards referred to. [Illustration: FIG. 561.--Pluscarden Priory. West Side of South Transept.] Both in the choir and the crossing there are signs of great alterations and repairs. It is thought that the building must have suffered severely from fire at some time, having probably been burned by the “Wolf of Badenoch,” in 1390, when Elgin was destroyed. The work which has subsequently been done indicates that a considerable amount of strengthening was found necessary. The western piers of the crossing have been in great part burned away, and are strengthened with new masonry; and the opening between the north pier and the south pier is built up (see Plan). On the east side of the crossing a plain double wall has been erected between the piers, so as to support the arch above, which carries the tower. In this double wall an archway, only about 7 feet in width, leads into the choir. To the north of the archway a staircase in the centre of the double wall led apparently to a gallery above, while the space within the double wall to the south of the archway forms a large closet. Traces of painted decorations are still visible in the vault over this part of the church. These consist now of a few gilt stars on a blue ground; but when Cordiner wrote, about one hundred years ago, he was able to identify the portrait of St. John under a canopy, accompanied by his eagle, also a rainbow, and the sun, moon, and constellations.