Detail of date stone and pigeon holes. See MS/744/117 and DC33078

Description Detail of date stone and pigeon holes. See MS/744/117 and DC33078

Date 27/4/1995 to 18/8/1995

Collection Scottish Farm Buildings Survey

Catalogue Number C 48445

Category Photographs and Off-line Digital Images

Copies SC 730566

Scope and Content Detail of datestone and pigeon holes on steading, Crackaig Farm, Highland Crackaig Farm, on the east coast of Sutherland, is part of the estates of the Dukes of Sutherland. A policy of improvement was begun in the 1790s starting with this arable coastal strip. Many thousands of pounds were invested to create large, more commercially viable agricultural units like this one. This shows the Sutherland/Stafford crest above the pigeon holes of the dovecot on the main arched entrance to the steading. It was the marriage of Elizabeth, Countess of Sutherland, to the wealthy George, Lord Stafford, in 1785, that enabled the programme of improvement to be implemented on the estate. To improve yields, drainage systems were built, soil was fertilised and new crop rotations implemented. Lease agreements were used to encourage tenants to follow the landlord's policy of improvement. Many Scottish landlords saw agricultural improvement as both profitable and patriotic. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

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