Montcoffer House, Dovecot

NJ66SE 11 68726 61266

(NJ 6872 6126) Dovecot (NAT)

OS 6" map, Banffshire, 2nd ed., (1904)

The dovecot at Mount Coffer House is cylinder-shaped. The walls are harled and rest on a plinth. A blocked up narrow slit recess, shaped as a cross at the top and a circle at the bottom, is present on the north and on the south side. The entrance is in the west side.

A N Robertson 1957.

This dovecot is as described above.

It probably dates from the late 18th century.

Visited by OS (WDJ) 4 October 1961.

No change.

Visited by OS (NKB) 30 January 1968.

Visible on air photographs AAS/93/08/G20/9-12.

Copies held by Grampian Regional Council.

Information from M Greig, Grampian Regional Council, March 1994.

2-stage, cylindrical dovecot in Gothic style, currently roofless (1990). Harled, with grey ashlar dressings; chamfered reveals. Tall, narrow, pointed arch doorway to N with arrow slit opening above, pointed arch panel with tiered flight-holes to second stage, 3 stone ledges, 9 flight holes. Arrow slit opening with window above repeated twice around dovecot; cruciform apex to arrow slit to S. Brick and stone nests lining interior.

Montcoffer House and policies were improved for the Duke of Fife's Factor circa 1774-75. Cramond reports the house and offices in good condition by 1790; "the dwelling, offices, gardens and pigeon house... all worth 103.16s." (Historic Scotland)