Architecture Notes

Event ID 643805

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Architecture Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/643805

NT27SW 5 20047 72516

(NT 2004 7251) Dovecot (NR)

OS 1:10,000 map, (1973).

This beehive-shaped 16th century dovecot, which would once have been the pigeon house of Corstorphine Castle, is 86'10 1/2" in circumference externally. Its walls are 3'10" thick, and there are 3 string courses, the walls being slightly recessed above each course.

The entrance is on the N. The whole interior wall is covered by 28 tiers of stone nests, 1060 in all.

Pigeons still use this dovecot, entering by 6 holes in the S wall above the middle course.

A N Robertson 1945; RCAHMS 1929, visited 1920.

This dovecot is as described and in good order.

Visited by OS(BS) 2 December 1975.

Fergueson Sketch Book No. 9

1 page in pencil.