Doocot

At the East Gate to Balcaskie Estate.

Doocots or, dovecotes, or columbarium are structures designed to house pigeons or doves, which were an important food source historically in the Middle East and Europe and were kept for their eggs and dung. Pigeon droppings were used by farmers as fertiliser, and for tanning leather and making gunpowder.

We walked up through Balcaskie Estate this morning. The sun was shining bright. There was blue sky, white fluffy clouds and a gentle breeze. It was a beautiful morning to be out walking. We didn’t see another walker. There are some stunning trees on the estate. Some huge sycamores, oak, beech, willow. Nearer the big house there are some great old yews. And to cap it all we came home with a bag of tatties gathered from the side of a field that had already been harvested.

Apologies for the converging verticals.