Bogward Dovecot, Scottish historic building
Bogward Dovecot is a round stone structure built in the 16th century, located near St. Andrews in Fife. The walls are made of rough stone with three horizontal bands, and small openings in the walls once served as entry points for the pigeons that lived inside.
Bogward Dovecot was built in the early to mid-16th century and was originally connected to the Priory of St Andrews. The pigeons provided meat, eggs, and valuable droppings used as fertilizer, making the structure an important part of the local food supply and farming system.
The dovecot reflects the rural heritage of the area and reminds visitors of how farming communities once operated. The simple design and small openings in the walls show how practical buildings were shaped by daily needs and local traditions.
The dovecot is straightforward to view from outside, with its small openings and three stone bands easily visible to visitors. The location sits in a quiet rural setting with good visibility, making it accessible to those who wish to see the historic structure and appreciate its simple design.
The structure has three rat-courses, horizontal stone ledges that prevent rats from climbing up to the nests and eating eggs or young birds. This practical defense feature shows how carefully the design was thought through to protect the pigeon population.
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