Dunblane, Glen Road, Dovecot

Photographic survey of buildings in Dunblane, Perthshire, by the Scottish National Buildings Record in 1962 including Glen Road dovecot, High Street and the Old Prison.

The route of the proposed cable overlay runs approx. 0.5km E of Dunblane town centre, in an area of expansion dating largely to the late 19th and 20th C. It is confined by Dunblane golf course and the Kippenross Estate to the SW, and housing to the N, S and E. The route follows existing cable runs in public roads, but there is potential for very limited areas which have not been previously excavated, such as road crossing points, and where cable spacing necessitates widening of existing trenches from 300mm to approx. 1m. The depth of trenches is planned to be approx. 1.2m. Any buried remains in these areas are still likely to be disturbed by road construction and other service trenches. The route begins at an electrical sub-station on Glen Road (NN 78870 00696) marking the SE extent of the works. From here it heads NW before branching to another sub-station on Leeward Road (NN 78968 00879). The main route then runs W onto Ochlochy Park (street) with a smaller branch heading N to The Crescent substation (NN 78777 01035). The cable follows Ochlochy Park (street) branching to another sub-station at NN 78554 00951, then NW back towards Glen Road and terminates at a cable joint pit at NN 78547 01163. A T junction at NN 78536 01136 marks the start of phase 2 heading NW, which is outside the scope of this report. The site has a general incline W towards Allan Water, which is steepest in the mid-section of Ochlochy Park (street), and rises to the E towards Dykedale Wood. Roads are tarmacked, with granite kerbs and tarmacked pavements on at least one side, and are generally bordered on both sides by property boundary walls or fences. Archaeological Potential As the sole fording point on Allan Water, and positioned close to the South edge of the Scottish highland boundary, Dunblane has a long settlement history. The area has shown evidence of Prehistoric and Roman sites, such as Bronze age cists found in the Cathedral grounds, and two Roman camps at Hillside, SW of the town centre. Darn Road, now reduced to a path 400m SW of Ochlochy Park (street) is locally suggested to follow the route of a Roman road, although this has not been verified. There are widespread archaeological remains from the Early Medieval period to modern day, and the area surrounding the cathedral in particular is known to be an important early Christian site potentially dating to the 7th C when St. Blane established a colony of monks there. Dunblane town itself contains numerous listed buildings clustered around the roads leading to the Cathedral, and in the wider areas of expansion surrounding the Medieval town centre. The route of phase 1 of the cable overlay discussed in this survey and report is entirely within the 19th and 20th C expansion outside the Medieval town centre of Dunblane. It lays beyond the area discussed in the Scottish Historic Burgh Survey (Dennison & Coleman 1997), but can generally be appended to the areas of unknown archaeological potential listed in the book, as little archaeological research has been carried out in the vicinity. The route follows previous cable routes and public roads for the vast majority of the way, and there are no listed buildings or scheduled monuments directly within the route of cable trenches. There are, however, listed buildings in the wider vicinity of the works. The section of cable route following Glen Road is just inside the SW boundary of a spur of Dunblane conservation area (1) which follows the SE to NW line of this street. It is also just on the edge the battlefield area marking the Battle of Sheriffmuir (2) 1715 (BTL17) which follows the NE edge of the road. The side branches following Leeward Road and The Crescent extend into both areas. The site of the Battle of Sheriffmuir is likely to be further NE towards Sheriffmuir Inn, but troop movements and camps may have left archaeological remains in the W extent of the area. Methodology and Approach Alder Archaeology Ltd. abides by the Codes of Conduct and Approved Practice and Standards of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists. Desk-Based Assessment A rapid desk-based study of online and written sources relating to the proposed cable route was undertaken, involving the examination of all readily available information sources relevant to the area. The following sources of information were searched: • Historic Environment Scotland Canmore: The Schedule was checked via Pastmap for any Scheduled Monuments, known archaeological sites, Battle sites, or Listed Buildings within or close to the proposed development area; sites recorded in the National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE, Canmore) and vertical/oblique aerial photographs held in the National Collection of Air Photographs were examined. • Stirling Historic Environment Record (HER): The Schedule was checked via Pastmap for any Archaeological surveys/excavations, Scheduled Monuments or listed buildings within or close to the proposed route. • The Map Library of the National Library of Scotland: All Ordnance Survey and pre-Ordnance Survey maps of the area were examined. • The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP). The collection was checked for images of the proposed route. • Dennison, E and Colman R, 1997, Historic Dunblane, A Scottish Burgh Survey. Scottish Cultural Press: Was examined for any known archaeology or archaeological potential within the area of the proposed route. It was established that there is 1 designated site known to be within the route proposed. This is BTL17 marking the Battle of Sheriffmuir (2). Five listed or historic buildings stand close to, but out with the route; Wolfrest (4) (Canmore 226607) to the N of Leeward Road, Glenluss (5) (LB 26412), and Glenacres (6) (LB26411) further N than the sub-station on The Crescent, Doocot Cottage and Dovecot (7) (LB 26413, Canmore 226293, HER 1833) on the junction of Glen Road and Ochlochy Park, and St Mary’s Cottage (8) (LB 48962, Canmore 226778) opposite the N junction of Ochlochy Park (street) and Glen Road. These will all remain unaffected by the proposed works. Walkover The Walkover was conducted by the current author on the 23rd of June in light rain, and a return visit to photograph the route on 20th July 2023 in similar conditions. Starting in the NW corner, the route of the cable overlay and associated side branches were walked and any sites noted were photographed and detailed. The site was then walked in the opposite direction working from the SE extent of the cable run towards the NW. All archaeological features encountered were logged, photographed and planned in sketch, and their map reference numbers located using a GPS system. Modern landmarks and features were also recorded, in order to calibrate the GPS record and tie it securely to the base map but are not included as sites in this report. Maps predating the OS survey of Dunblane from the 17th and 18th C, and reproduced in the Historic Dunblane Scottish Burgh Survey, (Dennison & Clement 1997) were examined. The Ordnance Survey 6” and 25” maps were also consulted. The First Editions were surveyed in 1862. Also consulted were the 1863, 1866, 1899, 1930, 1938, and 1948 revisions, and 1938-1948, 1954-1957, and 1965 National Grid maps. A 1690 map of Dunblane (Dennison & Clement 1997, 27) shows the area E of Dunblane town centre as open land crossed by burns, and James Stobie’s 1783 map of The Countries of Perth and Clackmannanshire depicts nothing other than sparsely scattered farmsteads and a possible orchard or garden in the area to the East of the High Street. These features are all seemingly further S than the proposed route. The first edition OS maps depict the line of Glen Road much as it runs today. Dwellings are sparsely positioned on both sides of the road including Doocot Cottage and Dovecot (6) and Drumlochy Cottage opposite, which has since been demolished and redeveloped. A footpath leads from the W side of Doocot Cottage leading to Ochlochy Farmstead comprising of 2 buildings S of where the Ochlochy park pond is sited today, The Curling Pond itself, as shown on later maps, is not depicted at this time. Towards the N end of the route, St Mary’s Cottage is depicted in similar plan to the current layout but set within slightly larger grounds. Whilst the B8033 heading N from St Mary’s Cottage is depicted, the modern dual-carriageway heading SW is not, and a lodge house is shown on the S side of Glen Road opposite the junction (since demolished to construct the current intersection roundabout). Leeward Road, The Crescent, and Ochlochy Park (street) are not yet constructed, with open fields and a circular copse marking their route. By 1899 Leeward Road and The Crescent are depicted, as are properties along Leeward Road, The Crescent and Glen Road. Glenacres is shown with larger grounds than present day. Ochlochy Park (street) is still absent, but Doocot Cottage and Dovecot are depicted with the footpath leading to Ochlochy Farm, now reduced to one L-shaped building. Ochlochy park Curling Pond is also depicted, possibly representing a filled quarry pit used for materials for construction in the area. Over the period between 1930, 1938 and 1948 Ochlochy Farm disappears and reappears again from maps, which must represent a surveying error, but little else alters except for the addition of the SW section of the B8033 as a single carriageway road and a war memorial and tennis courts close to the S side of the new junction. Ochlochy Park (street) replaces the farm of the same name by 1964 with development shown on either side of the road along its length. The N edge of the site of the former farm is shown only as hatched lines at the S edge of the Curling Pond. At the N end of Glen Road, the B8033 is depicted as a dual-carriageway with a roundabout interchange which has necessitated removal and re-siting of the war memorial. Aerial Photographs Only one aerial photograph was found showing the area of the proposed works (JARIC Sortie 17/RAF/0144 Frame 0128). Taken on the 6th of March 1958, it shows Ochlochy park Curling Pond (9) and Glen Road but not the line of Ochlochy Park (street). Doocot Cottage and its dovecot could not be made out, but housing along Glen Road appears to be broadly similar to present day. Images of Doocot Cottage dovecot (7) were examined on the Canmore entry for the structure (Canmore 226293). A series of surveyors photographs from December 1962 (SC 1540267 – 71) show the structure has not changed significantly. Pastmap collections Sites with Statutory Designation HES, Canmore and the HER record no sites with statutory designation within the development area. Side branches of the route on Leeward Road and The Cresent do however, cross into the battlefield site of the Battle of Sheriffmuir (BTL17) which played a significant part in the Jacobite uprising of 1715. Out with, but close to the proposed cable overlay route there are a small number of listed buildings all dating to the mid to late 19th and early 20th C. These include; Wolfrest (4) (Canmore 226070 on Leeward Road, Glenluss (5) (LB 26412) and Glenacres (6) (LB 26411) on The Crescent, Doocot Cottage dovecot (7) (LB 26413) on Ochlochy Park (street), and St Mary’s Cottage (8) (LB 48962) on Perth Road. Sites with no Statutory Designation No sites without Statutory Designation are noted within the proposed cable overlay route. However Glen Road, Leeward Road and The Crescent are all within Dunblane conservation area. This is not considered to be significant to the proposed works due to the cable routes following roads and pavements where disturbance of any buried archaeology is likely to be high. No additional sites were listed out with the development area during the desk based assessment. The area is comprised of 19th and 20th C properties, constructed during the expansion of Dunblane in this period. Most are likely to be of some historical or architectural merit but are not included in this report as they are beyond the impact of the works. Walkover Survey The walkover survey confirmed sites (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), and (9), which were identified in the desk based study. Sites (1) and (2), were not discernible, other than the boundary walls and road lines they follow, as they are assigned zones rather than specific features. The walkover survey also identified 1 new site within or adjacent to the site boundaries; Stone boundary wall (3). Following the cable overlay route from the SE extent, it begins at a modern substation between woodland and The Birches on Glen Road (NN 78870 00696). The road is tarmacked, with squared granite kerbs and a tarmacked pavement on the SW side. Foul drain and gas main access covers were visible in the road and water stopcocks in the pavement. To the NE side of the road are a number of generally early 20th C stone built properties with boundary walls and gates. Site (3) consists of a stone boundary wall formed of rubble with roughly hewn bow-topped cap stones running between NN78873 00701 and NN 78826 00787. It borders a small area of woodland to the SW of Gen Road which has not been developed into housing, and as such may represent an earlier survival of the walls which originally bordered the road. It measures 100m long and stands approx. 1.2m high and is in good condition. The cap stones, 450mm wide, are slightly narrower than the base which is 650mm wide. The cable trench in this section follows the SW pavement and is proposed as a single cable width. At Leeward Road the route splits and a short spur leads NE to a modern substation on the junction with Gibson Grove (NN 78968 00879). Leeward Road is tarmacked, with squared granite kerbs and tarmacked pavements on both sides. The road is lined by rubble and cement property boundary walls to late 19th and 20th C stone properties. Water mains, hydrant, and foul drainage access covers were noted in the road and water stopcock covers in the N pavement. The cable trench in this section follows the N pavement and 2 cables are proposed. On the N side of the road is Wolfrest (4) (NN 78900 00883), a T-shaped single storey, squared rubble property with ashlar margins. The property was constructed in 1904. A large 20th C harled extension has been added to the NE elevation. The property’s listing is currently pending, but it is set back from the road beyond any impact from the proposed works. The property wall is immediately adjacent to the proposed trenching works. The route was retraced back to Glen Road where the proposed cable continues NW, branching at Ochlochy Park (street) and onward to The Cresent. For this section of the route a single cable is shown ducted and running in the grass verge on the NE side of the road adjacent to Glenbrae and Beechwood boundary walls. These appear to be late 19th or early 20th C. Modern Telegraph poles and communication access covers were noted in the verge. In The Crescent the route heads to a mid-20th C substation hut (NN 78777 01035) on the S corner of Glenacres (6). The road is tarmacked, with squared granite kerbs and tarmacked pavement son either side, flanked by rubble and cement property boundary walls. Foul drain access covers were noted in the road. Two listed buildings are sited further N than the substation in this street, firstly Glenluss (5) on the E side (NN 78826 01103). This is a single storey villa constructed between 1890 and 1898 of squared yellow sandstone and with ornate fretted barge boards. The category B listing applies to the property and its rubble boundary wall with square painted ashlar posts with pyramidal cap stones. Although the wall faces The Crescent, the cable route stops 50m S of the property and on the opposite side of the road. The second property is Glenacres (6), constructed in 1865 and with category B listing (NN 78741 01102). The property is of squared and tooled yellow sandstone and the listing includes a summerhouse close to the boundary wall on The Crescent. This structure includes a pointed arch and bipartite entrance with multi-foil above and is overshadowed by mature trees. The single cable branch follows the W pavement but stops on the S boundary of the property. Returning to Ochlochy Park (street), the cable route is partially ducted at the S end and shows 2 cables in the N and then E pavements running along this section of the road. The route is broken halfway at a modern substation (NN 78554 00951) and N of this 1 cable is shown. The road is tarmacked, with squares granite kerbs and tarmacked pavements on both sides. BT, gas, water, foul drain and fire hydrant access covers were all noted in the road. Minor gas excavations were being carried out at the time of the survey. The street is flanked by mid to late 20th C housing, generally behind boundary hedges or timber fencing. The exception is Doocot Cottage and dovecot (7) on the corner of Glen Road (NN 78759 00874), which is 19th C and category B listed. The cottage is a fairly simple rubble built single story construction, but close to the S elevation is a circular dovecot. This is rubble built with harled sections on the upper part and a corbelled ashlar parapet with hidden roof and central cupola topped with a globe finial, and supported by stone columns. Waterspouts pierce the parapet and small ashlar surrounded slots ring the lowest storey with a small door to the W. The imposing structure looks slightly out of place next to the small cottage and, as noted during the desk based assessment, was once sited on the Kippendavie estate, being re-sited at Doocot Cottage in the late 19th C, and presumably giving it its name. Contained within the curve of Ochlochy Park (street) is the open space named Ochlochy park, containing the Curling Pond constructed in the late 19th C. The park is accessed from Ochlochy Park (street) next to the modern substation and comprises of an open area of grass and trees. A small burn runs SE to NW through the pond. No evidence was noted of the former Ochlochy Farmstead, although land S of the pond is undulating and uneven. Most of the former property site is located below 31 and 33 Ochlochy Park (street). A line of stone walling was noted level with the grass surface in the NW section of the park. This appears to be in the approx. position of a dotted structure and linear feature, possibly a leat, depicted on the 1964 OS map noted during the desk based assessment. The park is not impacted by the proposed works. The route of phase 1 of the cable overlay project ends at a cable joint bay on Glen Road (NN 78547 01163) opposite the garden boundary wall of St Mary’s Cottage, the manse for St Mary’s church N of the Perth Road interchange. The cottage is category C listed and was constructed in 1870. It is a 2 storey property of squared and snecked whinstone with ashlar sandstone mouldings. The rubble boundary wall forms part of the listing and stands 5m N of the termination point, but on the opposite side of the road. All listed buildings noted in the desk based assessment and walkover survey are out with the route of the proposed cable overlay and are set away from impact from potential trenching works. Where boundary walls form part of a buildings listing, (5) and (8), the proposed cable route is planned to be at least 5m away from the wall. Due to modern disturbance and the narrow nature of the trenches, no impact on these structures is likely. The closest structures to the proposed route are; Wall (3), where the trench runs parallel to the wall and a 2m protective buffer zone is suggested to protect the standing structure, the S boundary wall of Wolfrest (4), where a 2m protective buffer zone is suggested to protect the standing structure, and the dovecot associated with Doocot Cottage (7) which is approx. 8m from the line of the proposed trench. It is suggested that a watching brief be undertaken where the trench passes within 20m of this site as associated buried deposits may exist, although disturbance from the construction of Ochlochy Park (street) is probable. There is slight potential to encounter buried remains associated with Ochlochy farmstead, if any exist, towards the S end of Ochlochy Park (street) near plots 31 and 33. Although disturbance of buried remains is likely, a watching brief is suggested for approx. 100m as the trench passes these properties. Small sections of the proposed route enter into the Western edge of the battlefield site of the Battle of Sheriffmuir. These include a 160m section in Leeward Road and a 100m section in The Cresent. As no works in the area include greenfield areas, and any deposits are likely to be disturbed by road construction and other service trenches, no mitigation is suggested. Areas of the route included in a spur of the Dunblane conservation area include Glen Road, Leeward Road and The Crescent. There are no known sites in the area predating the 19th and 20th C, and impact of the cable overlay works are limited to areas already disturbed by road construction and other services. Although chance finds of archaeological deposits are always possible, the area is considered to be of low potential, and the works will leave no lasting visual or other impact. No mitigation is suggested.

Information from OASIS ID: alderarc1-518151 (D Bowler) 2023