The dramatic day when a mob took to the streets of Perth and attacked the city’s friaries is brought to life in a painting which has gone on public display.
The reconstruction painting by Edinburgh artist David Simon captures the events in Perth on May 11 1559 which helped shape Scottish history.
On that day John Knox gave a passionate sermon in St John’s Kirk against idolatry to radical reformers who had gathered from all over Scotland.
After the sermon a priest made ready to celebrate mass and a riot broke out. The mob removed the kirk’s ornaments and marched to the friaries, expelled the friars and stripped the buildings to the bare walls.
The painting, which was commissioned by Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust, shows the reformers spilling from the kirk and heading towards the friaries.
Included in the painting are medieval representations of well-known streets such as Skinnergate, the High Street, the city wall, the city mills and the friaries.
The street layout of medieval Perth is still recognisable today the streets flanking St John’s Kirk and the many vennels linking them.
Members of the public are encouraged to view the painting which has gone on display in the foyer of the council building at 2 High Street between now and September.
It will also be an opportunity to find out more about the work of Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust which aims to conserve, enhance and promote the local historic environment.
“I hope more people can now see the painting which will help them imagine how Perth has changed,” said Sue Hendry, chairwoman of Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust.
The trust is about to embark on the innovative project, the Tay Landscape Partnership, which will involve looking at the heritage, natural history and economic benefit that the River Tay has brought to the area.