Doo Cave at East Wemyss, Fife

In medieval times lairds were allowed to keep pigeons (Scots doos) to provide fresh meat during winter and some caves were modified to house the birds. At this time many cows were slaughtered and the meat salted as there was not enough hay to feed them through the winter. Doocots died out from 18th century when it was discovered that cattle could be fed on turnips rather than hay.