Sites and Monument Record: Dunipace House Doocot (SMR 25)
Description
A tower of the old mansion, just N of the former drive of Dunipace House, was converted into a doocot. The tower appears externally as part of an octagon, though only three sides are completely free. Each of the free sides measures 5 ft 11 ins except the W one, which is enlarges to 7 ft 3 ins at its base to accommodate the entrance door. The masonry is rubble with neatly squared dressings, and there are two moulded courses; the uppermost portion of the tower is circular, finishing in a moulded eaves-course, and was no doubt added when the tower was turned into a doocot having formerly served as a stairwell. Consequently the interior is essentially circular throughout, and has been divided into a basement and an upper floor. There were 287 nests in the lower part and 195 in the upper portion, all of tile. In 1956 the potence still survived carrying a ladder of 22 rungs. The roof was slated, and an ornamental lantern adapted for the entry of pigeons by 36 dove holes. This has now collapsed, but a photograph in the National Monuments Record shows its form. Another large opening for pigeons was made on the S, just below the level of the upper string-course which, however, terminates before reaching this point. Some of the tiled nest boxes remain. The Edinburgh Evening Courant of the 3rd February 1794 advertised "The Mansion House of Dunipace, situated on the banks of the River Carron, with office, garden, and pigeon house". The house, and presumably the doocot were new at this time.
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