After 14 years in hiding, Rosslyn Chapel’s roof is once again exposed to the elements – only this time, it’s rainproof.

The upper part of the church was covered with scaffolding and weatherproofing in 1996 in a bid to protect its famous interior.

The 15cm thick stone barrel roof had been letting rain in for hundreds of years and the continual dampness had begun to cause internal decay.

However, the structure finally dried out fully last year and on Thursday, the building was unveiled again, complete with a new metal roof cover to protect the stonework from even the most severe weather conditions.

The 550 year old building, made famous by the Da Vinci Code, attracts thousands of tourists each year. However, a large-scale model of the church had to be built by the movie’s makers, because the external shots needed to show the entire building.

Now, those travelling to visit the famous landmark will be able to take in its full grandeur, inside and out.

The Director of the Rosslyn Chapel Trust, Colin Glynne-Percy, said: “This is a hugely significant day for the Trust which has been 14 years in the planning.

“Fourteen years ago, we put a huge metal canopy over the top of the roof here to protect the building.

“The roof had been leaking for centuries and inside, the stone was damaged. It was green inside with mould and we needed to do something to prevent the building deteriorating further.

“Now, for the first time in 14 years and since the Da Vinci Code film, people will be able to see the chapel without scaffolding on the outside, in its full glory. They’ll be able to walk up to the ground floor and look at all the fantastic carvings round about, which for the past 14 years they haven’t been able to see.”

Thursday’s unveiling was the first stage in a major conservation and access project.

The £9m scheme, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Scotland, will also lead to the creation of a new visitor and education centre, due to open in 2012.