Pittendreich Doocot - a building at risk

[William Douglas]

This GradeA listed doocot forms part of the former  Pittendreich estate, once the property of the Douglases of Pittendreich, located at Easter Pittendreich Farm, Elgin, in Scotland. 

Probably written circa 1900: No trace of these Douglases now exists. The old trees probably define the spot where the mansion of the former proprietors once stood. A venerable dovecot still stands, having the bloody heart (the crest of the Douglas family), much obliterated, yet decipherable.

The doocot is listed as a building at risk.

Almost square dovecot; harled over rubble and clay mortar. Low centre door in S elevation, double checked for external and internal opening doors; blocked vent above. Double pitched roof of large flagstones supported by two stone arches with stone purlins 2 low ridge openings for bird access; apex stone ball finials. 

Most unusual roof construction. Similar to dovecote at nearby New Spynie; no other examples known. Flat skews may be later replacement. Restored 1920 and 1927.(Historic Scotland). No mention of the crest is made in the report. Is it now lost?

For further photographs and details, see here>>>.

Doocot: A dovecote or dovecot (Scots: doocot) is a structure intended to house pigeons or doves. Dovecotes may be free-standing structures in a variety of shapes, or built into the end of a house or barn. They generally contain pigeonholes for the birds to nest. Pigeons and doves were an important food source historically in Western Europe and were kept for their eggs, flesh, and dung. In Scotland the tradition is continued in modern urban areas.