Located in a field near the dramatic ruins of Findlater Castle is the Findlater Doocot, a distinctive beehive-shaped dovecote, or “doocot,” as it's known in Scots. Restored in 1992 by Banff and Buchan District Council with funding from Historic Scotland, this historic structure represents an enduring connection to Scotland’s rural past.
The doocot, constructed in the traditional Scottish "beehive" style, contains around 700 nesting boxes. Each compartment measures approximately 15cm x 15cm x 36cm, arranged starting about 45 centimeters from the ground and narrowing towards the top. The design ensured efficient shelter and breeding conditions for pigeons, known locally as "doos."
Dovecotes like Findlater’s were important sources of fresh meat and eggs, particularly valuable in the harsh winter months when other provisions became scarce. They provided a steady food supply, serving as a critical resource for castle inhabitants, particularly during periods of siege or hardship.
Restored carefully in 1992 by Banff and Buchan District Council, with funding support from Historic Scotland, the Findlater Doocot represents a vital connection to Scotland’s rural history. Its restoration preserved authentic medieval building practices, including the unique internal structure designed to protect pigeons from predators and harsh weather.
