Gate Piers And Twin Dovecots, East Lodge, Balcaskie House

The gate piers and twin dovecots at East Lodge, Balcaskie House, date from the early to mid-18th century. The southern gate pier is dated 1714, while the northern pier is from 1745. Both piers are square with rusticated lower courses, banded and fluted sections above, and feature a carved frieze, cornice, and urn finials. The wrought iron gates, designed by Sir Robert Lorimer, were added in 1886. The dovecots, built around 1745, are two circular structures connected to the gate piers by low quadrant walls. They are constructed of squared rubble and each has a round arched doorway that is blocked, with rusticated and keyblocked dressings. There is a continuous rat course at about 5 feet, paired corniced flight holes, a simple eaves cornice, and a conical slate roof topped with a central birdcage that accommodates additional flight holes.