Polcalk, Dovecot

This 18th-century lectern dovecot stands to the E of Polcalk farmhouse. It is oblong on plan measuring 7m by 4.2m over walls 0.85m thick, of two compartments, and is entered on the W and S respectively; it contains 380 nesting-boxes. The exterior is plain, harled and crowned with a battlemented parapet; a ledge extends around three sides at eaves-level.

Visited by RCAHMS (IMS) March 1987.

To the E of Polcalk farmhouse (NO24NW 72) there is a well-preserved late- 17th-century two-compartment lectern dovecot which has been later remodelled with the addition of a battlemented back-wall. It measures 7m from E to W by 4.2m transversely over lime-washed, harled, rubble walls measuring 0.85m in thickness; the compartments are entered through low-level doorways on the W and S respectively. Inside, there are up to 380 stone nesting-boxes.

Visited by RCAHMS (IMS) 5 July 1989.

A standing building survey was undertaken by Derek Hall Archaeologist and Ceramic Specialist of the 18th century BListed dovecot which had partially collapsed in December 2021. Limited research on previous land ownership suggested that the dovecot was of a contemporary build to Polcalk Farmhouse which has a datestone of 1789.

The author feels that this survey provides an adequate record of the collapsed dovecote prior to its stabilisation and reuse. The final decision on that however rests with Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust.

Information from: Derek Hall Archaeologist and Ceramic Specialist, 17 March 2022

OASIS ID: derekhal1-420695

NO 23262 46383 A photographic survey and written descriptions were made, in May and June 2022, of the 18th-century B-Listed dovecot which had partially collapsed in December 2021. Limited research on previous land ownership suggested that the dovecot was of a contemporary build to Polcalk Farmhouse, which has a date stone of 1789.

Archive: NRHE

Funder: Private individual

Derek Hall

(Source: DES Volume 23)