The Finavon Doocot is a 16th-century dovecote believed to be the largest in Scotland, with over 2,400 nesting boxes. The doocot was built by the Earl of Crawford.
NOTE:
When we visited, there was a chain link fence restricting access to the doocot and a notice from the National Trust for Scotland announcing that the doocot was closed pending essential repairs.
t looked like the notice had been up for some time and the lane leading to the site was overgrown, so it doesn't look like they are making those repairs a high priority.
Given that, perhaps the best way to actually see the doocot is simply to drive by in the northbound lane of the A90 - you can see it clearly immediately south of the exit for Oathlaw.
UPDATE:
It appears that the National Trust for Scotland is planning a major refurbishment of the doocot, using traditional tools and techniques to repair the deteriorating masonry, rebuilding damaged walls, re-harling, and lime-washing the exterior. So at least the doocot is not simply being allowed to decay!
If you take the Oathlaw exit you'll find the lane to the doocot about 100 yards from the exit, on your left.
About Finavon Doocot
Address: Forfar, Angus and Dundee, Scotland, DD8 3PX
Attraction Type: Historic Building
Location: Off the A90, 6 m N Forfar
Website: Finavon Doocot
National Trust for Scotland
Location map
OS: NO494565
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
HERITAGE
We've 'tagged' this attraction information to help you find related historic attractions
and learn more about major time periods mentioned.
Find other attractions tagged with:
16th century (Time Period) - Iona (Place) - Nest (Person)
NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low to exceptional) on historic interest
Aberlemno Sculptured Stones - 2.2 miles (Prehistoric Site) ![]()
Restenneth Priory - 3.4 miles (Abbey) ![]()
Brechin Castle - 6.5 miles (Historic House) ![]()
Pitmuies Gardens - 6.6 miles (Garden) ![]()
White Caterthun Fort - 6.6 miles (Prehistoric Site) ![]()
JM Barrie's Birthplace - 6.7 miles (Museum) ![]()
Brechin Cathedral Round Tower - 6.8 miles (Historic Building) ![]()
Brechin Cathedral - 6.8 miles (Historic Church) ![]()
Nearest Holiday Cottages to Finavon Doocot:



