Description

Dated 1713. 2-stage, 2-chambered, lectern dovecot. Rubble with partial harling; stugged sandstone margins and quoins; rat-course. Lean-to roof with crow-stepped gables; (now roof-less).

S (MAIN) ELEVATION: 2-bay, symmetrical, doors with sandstone oculus flight-holes above. Lintels inscribed with monogram AF and date 1713. Doors give access to separate chambers with sandstone nesting boxes; some infilled, 1641 in total.

N, E & W ELEVATIONS: blank.

Statement of Interest

The dovecot was built for Alexander Foulis whose family possessed the barony of Ratho from 1563-1786. Ratho Park icehouse (listed separately) is likely contemporary with the dovecot. Ratho Park House is listed separately. There are similar large, double lectern dovecots at Pentcaitland, Addistoun, Biel House, Stenton and converted at Newhailes. The dovecot is a particularly good example of its kind but must be category B because it is roofless.

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata Q17811917

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990
• 
  Norfolk 1: Norwich and North-East: Norwich and North-east v. 1 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  The Victorian House Manual (2nd Edition): How They Were Built, Improvements & Refurbishment, Solutions to All Common Defects - Includes Relevant ... ... Properties (Haynes Manual) (Haynes Manuals)
• 
  Maintaining and Repairing Old Houses: A Guide to Conservation, Sustainability and Economy
• 
  Herefordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Georgian Style and Design for Contemporary Living