Secrets in artwork at an historic religious site in Largs echo world-famous Da Vinci Code story.

Skelmorlie Aisle was built in 1636 as a private worship place and burial vault, and was an addition to the original Largs Parish Church.

Its historical importance has been protected over the centuries and when the church was demolished, the Aisle was saved from destruction.

It was built as a mausoleum for the 7th Laird of Skelmorlie Castle, Sir Robert Montgomerie, and his wife Dame Margaret Douglas.

The history of architecture, religion, technology and language features in the mausoleum left by Sir Robert Montgomerie, artist J Stalker, and the architect, with strong freemasonry symbols too.

It has also been claimed that there is a strong link to Rosslyn Chapel.

A volunteer from Largs Museum has told the 'News' of the building's symbols and coded messages, some of which he managed to find using 3D technology in a project undertaken by Historic Environment Scotland.

The entire chapel, both exterior and interior, was laser scanned by their Digital Documentation Team.

The data was then put together to produce a 3D 'point cloud', which provides a detailed record of the site.

A volunteer of Largs Historical Society has told the 'News' that he has uncovered secrets of the building and messages which encompass the fields of law, science and other hidden aspects in relation to metals, planets, and constellations.

The Aisle also references names linked to Scottish parliamentary history from the original parliament before the Act of Union, and English Parliament.

He said: "The hidden treasure proves the history of Jerusalem and the Bible, as well as a considerable wealth of information which has been coded into the paintings."

The volunteer added: "The symbolism and decoration of the Aisle testifies to the love Sir Robert Montgomerie had for his wife, and the people of the district.

"It is a hidden treasure within a timeless love story of cultures from around and across the world.

"It basically has the history of civilisation in one ceiling.

"During the 17th century there was great religious turmoil and a debate arose around the Protestant faith.

"To escape religious persecution a group of devout Christians sailed on the famous Mayflower to America in 1620.

"The famous Gunpowder plot of 1605 had also happened earlier in the life of Sir Robert Montgomerie.

"So, it was a very unstable period to show signs of faith in a public place due to constant battles between opposing groups.

"It is possible that in order to stop reformists from whitewashing the ceiling within, Sir Robert and Stalker included the season scenes of Largs with coded biblical, masonic and other essential elements including alchemy and astronomy."

Freemasonry groups have shown a great interest in the project findings, particularly the symbolism within the Aisle.

The volunteer who spoke to the News says it shows that freemasonry has existed within Largs going back centuries.

He added: "It also encompasses a historical journey from Luxor to Jerusalem, Greece, Italy, France, and finally to the Skelmorlie Aisle in Largs."

Skelmorlie Aisle is promoted as a 'hidden gem' on the Historical Environment Scotland website, which states: "Contemporary scenes of 1600s Largs provide a picture of local life during the reign of Charles I. Some of the patterns used here have been identified in continental European prints.

"Most of the texts above the cornice are taken from the Geneva Bible, which was popular in Scotland at the time. The painted corbels between bear imaginary arms of the tribes of Israel and the signs of the zodiac.

"But it’s the landscape scenes that most draw the eye.

"The central scenes are allegories, probably referring to Largs’ position between land and sea.

"The four corner scenes illustrate the four seasons.

"Summer, behind and left of the tomb, includes an image of Largs Parish Church before it was pulled down.

"The legacy of Sir Robert Montgomerie to the people of Largs can only be admired and respected."