Priory Doocot Crail
Dovecote In St. Andrews, Scotland
A 16th century beehive shaped doocot, that has been beautifully restored.
I have visited many Doocot's in my time, but never one as impressive as the Priory Doocot in Crail. This 16th century beehive doocot has been given a new lease of life.
Duck down through the little doorway to see the impressive work that Crail Preservation Society has put into restoring this little gem.
The Priory Doocot was built on land owned by the nuns at Haddington Priory and is one of the oldest buildings in Crail. It was bequeathed to the Crail Preservation Society (CPS) in 1962 in desperate need of restoration.
The Crail Restoration Society have a page with details of the full CPS Restoration project. The restoration was funded by grants from Historic Environment Scotland, the Heritage Lottery, Crail Common Good Fund and Helen Main Fund. The full amount was raised by May 2017 and the first dig started 1st June 2017. The Doocot was re-opened on 18 May 2019 by the Lord Lyon King of Arms.
Doocots were used to house pigeons that were used for eggs and meat. In 1503, King James IV ordered lairds to build Doocots to provide food for local communities. It wasn't just food that the pigeons provided as their droppings were used for tanning leather, fertiliser and making gunpowder. Each Doocot contained around 700 nest boxes, that's a lot of pigeon poop.
The unfortunate side effect from keeping pigeons was that they also need to eat. This meant that nearby farmers were having their grains eaten before it was able to be harvested.
In 1617, a new law was made stating that the owners of Doocots must grow enough grain within 2 miles of the Doocot in the hope that they wouldn't stray onto neighbouring land. By the early 19th century the Doocots were no longer required to bolster the food supply as new farming methods meant livestock could be fed all year round.
There are information boards provided both inside and outside the Doocot, which describe the design of the Doocot and the CPS restoration project. There is a rectangular lectern style Doocot not far away if you fancy a visit to Caiplie Doocot.
To reach the doocot, head north east up the road. At the end of the road turn right and you will see the Priory Doocot.
The Priory Doocot's accessible hours are advertised on the door and are currently:
April - October 8am-8pm
November - March 9am-4pm
The Priory Doocot is a Category A Listed Building managed by Historic Environment Scotland.
As you are so close, why not visit Constantine's Cave.
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How To Find Priory Doocot Crail
Where Is Priory Doocot Crail?
Lat / Long
56.26135435374414, -2.621558522416943
What three words
Where To Park For Priory Doocot Crail?
Lat / Long
56.25984747142633, -2.6246777954765292
What three words
There is plenty of parking at Nethergate.
Contributed by Lorraine London
I have been a keen hill walker for many years and more recently enjoy trig bagging. When I'm not exploring Northumberland, County Durham and Yorkshire, I spend most of my holidays in bonny Scotland. Other than hills, I love investigating ruinous buildings and waterfalls. I have been a member of NT and EH for years, which also gives me access to Historic Environment Scotland places.
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Cave St. Andrews ScotlandA coastal cave carved with cross symbols containing evidence of Iron Age occupation.
More Dovecotes
So this dovecote wasn't enough and you want more? Don't worry we have you covered.
Caiplie Doocot
Dovecote Fife ScotlandA rectangular lectern doocot that sits in a field next to the A917 near Caiplie.
Old Vicarage Dovecote
Dovecote Embleton NorthumberlandA square towered dovecote, built in the 18th century of brick, with stepped cogged cornicing at the eaves and a pyramidal pan tiled roof.
Buckton Dovecote
Dovecote Belford NorthumberlandA late medieval dovecote, just hiding off the A1 near Belford, first documented in 1626, which is grade II and on the National Heritage List for England.
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Join Our Facebook GroupPriory Doocot Crail was listed in Dovecote // Scotland // St. Andrews