Findlater Doocot

The Findlater Doocot is a restored 16th-century beehive shaped dovecot that sits in the middle of a field near the coastal path in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

The Doocot contained nesting boxes for pigeons which served as a vital food source for nearby Findlater Castle and the local community. The pigeons not only provided meat and eggs to the locals, but their droppings were used for tanning, gunpowder and fertiliser.

Built in the 16th century, the Doocot would have fallen out of use in early 19th century, when updated farming methods meant other sources of meat were available through the harsh winters.

The Doocot was sympathetically restored in 1992 using authentic building practices by Banff and Buchan District Council using funding from Historic Environment Scotland.

Access is through a small door on its south side of the Doocot. Inside there are approximately 700 nest boxes measuring 15cm x 15cm x 36cm each, making a nice snug compartments for our feathered friends. There are two rat courses (stonework protrusions), preventing greedy rodents from stealing the eggs. Above the rat course are flight holes allowing the pigeons to freely come and go, without allowing the rats to gain access.

Although there is an grated gate preventing you from entering the Doocot, you can see the brilliant restoration work on the ladder and the nest boxes. There was a lonesome resident the day we visited.

The Doocot can be seen in the field from the parking area and there is a path that takes you right up to the door.

The Findlater Doocot is a Catagory A listed building with Historic Environment Scotland.

If you have time, you may wish to carry on down the path to join the coastal path. From there you can see Findlater Castle. Unfortunately, we were unable to visit on this occasion, but is definitely on the todo list when we revisit the area.