Dovecot, Ayton Castle

16th century with panel dated 1745(?) later inserted. 2-stage, circular-plan, beehive dovecot to E of Ayton Castle. Harl-pointed sandstone rubble; weathered sandstone dressings. Alighting ledge approximately 10ft above ground (missing/broken in part); wall slightly recessed above; projecting eaves/ledge (missing/broken in part). Square-headed doorway to S; door missing; rubble relieving arch above lintel; architraved sandstone panel centred above, inscribed 'T.F E.W 1745(?).' Stone-slabbed, shallow-domed roof with circular aperture at centre covered by later, octagonal-plan, boarded timber capping (broken in part); regularly spaced flight holes; finial missing.

INTERIOR: walls lined with 653 nesting boxes arranged in 17 rows (lowest row 3ft above ground). Circular opening centred in roof accessing timber cupola and flight holes. Timber potence with ladder on fixed triangular frame in place.