Description

16th century. 4-stage, circular-plan 'bee-hive' dovecot. Sandstone rubble. Rat course to each stage.

Pointed-arch doorway facing north, narrow rectangular flith-hole opening in 3rd stage facing south. Flat roof with modern ashlar lantern.

Interior: Not seen (1990).

Statement of Interest

Learmonth Gardens were given to the Burgh in 1916 in memory of Alexander Learmonth, Provost of Linlithgow 1802-1807. The dovecot situated in the gardens was built for the Barons Ross of Halkhead, probably on the tail rig of their town house on or near the site of the Royal Bank of Scotland (No 53, 55 High Street). Although access has been closed, it is recorded that the dovecot contains 370 nest boxes in 18 tiers. Similar beehive dovecots in the Lothians can be found at Nunraw, Dirleton and Prestonpans. Flight holes and rat courses restored, re-pointed with lime/sand mortar 1991.

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata Q15131886

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  Period Property Manual (New Ed)
• 
  Churches: An Architectural Guide (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Introductions)
• 
  The Shredded Chef: 120 Recipes for Building Muscle, Getting Lean, and Staying Healthy
• 
  Harrow on the Hill: A photographic portrayal of listed buildings and structures (Historic Buildings Picture Guides)
• 
  Old House Care and Repair
• 
  London 3: North West: North West v. 3 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)