Edinburgh, Ratho Park, Dovecot
Dovecot (18th Century)
Site Name Edinburgh, Ratho Park, Dovecot
Classification Dovecot (18th Century)
Canmore ID 50655
Site Number NT17SE 16
NGR NT 15125 70934
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/50655
- Council Edinburgh, City Of
- Parish Ratho
- Former Region Lothian
- Former District City Of Edinburgh
- Former County Midlothian
NT17SE 16 15125 70934.
(NT 1512 7093) Dovecot (NAT)
OS 25" map (1963)
The rectangular dovecot at Ratho Park is dated 1713. Its rubble walls are partly harled, the gables are crow-stepped and the lean-to roof was formerly slated. There is a single string-course. The two doorways have the monogrom A F and date on the lintels; there are oval windows above them. There are 2 chambers, with a total of 1641 nest-holes in the interior.
The dovecot was built for Alexander Foulis whose family possessed the barony of Ratho from 1563 to 1786.
SDD List 1964
This roofless dovecot is generally as described in previous information.
Visited by OS (SFS) 12 December 1975
See also: NT17SE 64 00 Ratho Park
NT17SE 64 01 Ratho Park, icehouse
NT17SW 45 Ratho Park, stables
2-stage, 2-chambered, lectern dovecot. Rubble with partial harling; stugged sandstone margins and quoins; rat-course. Lean-to roof with crow-stepped gables; (now roof-less).
S (MAIN) ELEVATION: 2-bay, symmetrical, doors with sandstone oculus flight-holes above. Lintels inscribed with monogram AF and date 1713. Doors give access to separate chambers with sandstone nesting boxes; some infilled, 1641 in total.
N, E & W ELEVATIONS: blank.
The dovecot was built for Alexander Foulis whose family possessed the barony of Ratho from 1563-1786. Ratho Park icehouse (listed separately) is likely contemporary with the dovecot. Ratho Park House is listed separately. There are similar large, double lectern dovecots at Pentcaitland, Addistoun, Biel House, Stenton and converted at Newhailes. The dovecot is a particularly good example of its kind but must be category B because it is roofless. (Historic Environment Scotland)
Photographic Survey (June 1963)
Photographic survey of the dovecot and icehouse in Ratho Park, Edinburgh, by the Scottish National Buildings Record in June 1963.
