Boath Doocot

A Monument to Rural Heritage

The Boath Doocot stands as a remarkable survivor of 17th-century Scottish estate life. Built in the later decades of the 1600s as part of the Boath House estate, this circular dovecote represents a time when such structures were essential components of rural properties. The doocot's primary purpose was to house pigeons, which provided both food and fertiliser for the estate. Its construction in harled stone with ashlar dressings reflects the craftsmanship and investment that landowners placed in their agricultural infrastructure during this period.

Architectural Significance and Design

The structure's circular form and modest height of 7.5 metres make it an instantly recognisable landmark on the Auldearn skyline. The south-east facing entrance features six flight holes—openings designed to allow pigeons to enter and exit freely while keeping predators at bay. These nesting boxes were meticulously arranged to maximise the number of birds the doocot could accommodate. The harled exterior, rendered with lime mortar, has weathered centuries of Scottish Highland weather, while the ashlar stone dressings around the doorway and other key points demonstrate the quality of its original construction. This architectural approach was typical of dovecotes across Scotland, yet each retained distinctive local characteristics.

Historical Context and the Battle of Auldearn

The doocot's location on elevated ground overlooking the plains between Auldearn and Garlic Hill places it in a landscape of considerable historical importance. In May 1645, these same plains witnessed the Battle of Auldearn, a pivotal engagement during the English Civil War period when Scottish forces clashed with Covenanter armies. An estimated 2,000 foot soldiers and 250 cavalry participated in this conflict, making it a significant moment in regional history. The doocot, already standing for several decades by that time, would have witnessed the aftermath of this battle from its vantage point on the mound.

Preservation and Modern Stewardship

The National Trust for Scotland acquired the Boath Doocot in 1947, recognising its importance as a heritage asset. Since then, the organisation has maintained the structure as part of its commitment to preserving Scotland's architectural and cultural legacy. The doocot remains freely accessible to visitors, standing as a testament to the value placed on protecting even modest historical buildings. Its location on the edge of Auldearn village makes it an easily reached destination for those exploring the Nairn area and the wider Moray region.

The Doocot in the Landscape

Today, the Boath Doocot functions as both a historical monument and a focal point in the rural landscape. Its circular silhouette against the Highland sky serves as a visual anchor for understanding how medieval and early modern Scottish estates were organised and managed. The structure's survival, largely unaltered since its construction, provides an authentic window into 17th-century rural life. Visitors approaching the doocot experience the same views that estate workers and residents would have enjoyed centuries ago, creating a direct connection across time to the people who built and used this distinctive building.