Lost in a post-war suburban landscape sits a silent sentinel. This is the Drylaw House Dovecot. Once part of the Drylaw estate, it now stands as an unusual survival.
The Drylaw House Dovecot dates back to the early 18th century. Imagine this structure in its prime. It was a crucial part of the estate’s agricultural operations. Dovecots provided a source of food and fertilizer.
Let’s examine its construction. The Drylaw House Dovecot is a two-stage structure. It features a double-chambered design. Its roof once sloped from north to south. Sadly, the roof is now missing. Crowsteps, nesting boxes and the upper part of the south wall have also disappeared over time. The walls are made of rubble sandstone. Fragments of dressed stone are incorporated within.
Notice the rat course. It features later repairs and acts as an alighting ledge above the first stage. Remains of droved coping can still be seen on the north wall. There are two doorways to the south. Replacement doors mark the entrances. A fragment of a marriage lintel adds a touch of history. It shows the inscribed figures 6, 7, and 8 set over the doorway to the outer left.
In 1945 Robertson described the Drylaw House Dovecot. He noted that the slate roof had recently been lost. A sundial at the southwest angle was still intact. He also counted nine good crowsteps.
The Drylaw House Dovecot has undergone some changes in its listing category. Historic Environment Scotland changed it from Category B to C on December 14, 1995. Today, the Drylaw House Dovecot is considered a ruinous structure. Its condition is classified as “at risk” but with a “low” category of risk.
Despite its state of disrepair, the Drylaw House Dovecot remains a significant landmark. It offers a glimpse into the past. It reminds us of the agricultural practices of the 18th century. It stands as a testament to the enduring presence of history. Even within a modern suburban environment the Drylaw House Dovecot holds its ground. Its stones whisper stories of a bygone era for all who pause to listen.