Barn, Flowerdale Mains

Dated 1730, this is a substantial single-storey and attic barn with nine bays. It is constructed of harl-pointed field rubble with ashlar margins. The main south elevation features a central blocked doorway with chamfered architraves. Above the lintel is a corniced panel containing a coat of arms within an egg and dart border. Later, wide, segmental-headed openings were added in the outer bays; the westernmost is now a doorway with modern slatted double doors, while the opening to the right has modern infill above the cill. Similar openings are present on the rear elevation, both infilled, with the northwestern one incorporating masonry. Eight small, square, chamfered vents are located in the former corn loft, grouped in fours on each side of the central door; slit vents are found in the ground floor of all elevations, with some being blocked. A middle rear door has been converted into a window. A further original entrance is located in the west gable and is accessed by a forestair, with a lintel initialled A MK and I MK. The roof slopes feature flat skews with moulded undersides and triangular stops to the skewputts. The roof is covered with corrugated iron. A large doorway has been inserted into the east gable; the interior has been gutted. Remains of a circular horsewalk are visible at the rear. The barn, originally thatched and measuring approximately 80 feet by 17 feet, is of an East Coast type. It appears that the later segmental-headed openings, which would have originally been wattle or louvred, were added to provide constant through drafts to dry corn (on the straw before threshing) and hay, reflecting a West Coast practice. The Mackenzies of Gairloch have strong territorial links with Easter Ross.