Rosyth Castle and Doocot Traditional Cache
Lorgadh: As the owner has not responded to my previous log requesting that they check this cache I am archiving it.
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Karen
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A short stroll in woods to the Rosyth Castle's Doocot (dovecot)
overlooking the Castle itself.
The Doocot (or Dovecote if one is English) is an early example of a stone Doocot with a superb slabbed stone roof.
Built in the 15th Century, the Castle and Doocot are now sadly neglected in many ways. From the Parking, walk East on the road then follow the 'finger-post' signs to the path, then follow the GPS!
The doocot in particular is abandoned in the woods but is an exceedingly interesting specimen, rectangular in form, and covered with a ridge roof formed of large stone slabs. The gables are corbie-stepped, and - a very unusual feature - each "step" is itself gabled, forming what architects call a "gablet". Over the door is a very curious ornament, resembling a wide-spreading pair of buffalo horns, but with the addition of a loop in each such as is seen in those of rams. The spread is far too great for them to be intended for the horns of sheep; unless, indeed, the mason-artist drew on his imagination, or upon his patriotic pride.
Unfortunately, the local youths have been using the area for the inevitable drinking and fire-setting so beware of some broken glass. They have also been hammering lumps out the masonry with large blocks of concrete. The castle can be seen below the Doocot; however permission MUST be gained to view inside its low fence.
To reach it, travel back along the road; turn left at the end and take second left towards the castle building. Then speak nicely to someone to enquire about looking at the grounds.
The castle was built by Sir James Stewart of Rosyth. Today, it comprises an externally fairly intact ‘L’ plan tower house, most of which dates from the 1470s. The courtyard and ranges date back to improvements made to the castle in 1561. They replaced a simple barmkin or curtain wall which, to judge from the traces left on the corners of the tower house, could have been anything up to 40 feet tall: unusually high for the purpose. The interior of the tower house is not normally accessible. It comprises a barrel vaulted ground floor, with the hall on the first floor. Above this would originally have been a second floor comprising one or more private chambers, topped off by an attic.
Photo used by kind permission of Peter Stubbs from www.edinphoto.org.uk
As you can see from the photo, there is now another Bridge on the Forth! You don't need 'Wellies' to get to the Castle though, do you think any other changes have been made since the photo?
This is the first Scottish Castle to be seen as many people visit Scotland from the Continent via Zeebrugge. The lack of attention shown to it and the Doocot in particular is appalling.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Haqre fyngr, jryy-uvqqra ng n gerr. Abg gur 'L'.