Efforts to restore a 16th century Fife doocot to its former glory have taken flight after receiving a major cash boost.
For many years, the A-listed Priory Doocot in Crail has only been open on Doors Open Days because of its poor condition, but the Crail Preservation Society (CPS) has been awarded £55,600 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to make it more accessible to the public.
The CPS aims to restore the remarkable building to its rightful place as one of Fife’s architectural gems, making it open to the public every day of the year, as well as producing interpretation panels to explain its history and purpose.
The project aims to involve volunteers from the public as much as possible, with opportunities to participate in an initial archaeological dig, or to be trained to act as guides for tours of the doocot and other historical sites in Crail.
There will be particular emphasis on local school children who will not only be encouraged to participate in the dig, but also to observe the restoration as it happens, research the history of the site and create posters to advertise the doocot in the town.
David Jerdan, chairman of Crail Preservation Society, said: “We are delighted that funding has been secured from Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Environment Scotland to enable the restoration of one of Crail’s iconic and least visited buildings.
“The work will enable locals and visitors to enjoy this fascinating building throughout the year, and add to Crail’s fabulous historical heritage trail.”
In the 16th century, when very few people lived in stone built houses, the doocot would have been a building of enormous importance.
Although it is known as the Priory Doocot there is no archaeological or documentary evidence of a local priory.
However, it was built on a croft of land belonging to the Priory of St Andrews and its ownership was subsequently passed to the Archbishopric of St Andrews by Charles 1 in 1635.
The building was donated to CPS in 1960 when an attempt was made to restore it but the problem of severe damp remains.
The Heritage Lottery Fund grant together with a grant from Historic Environment Scotland and CPS’s own fundraising efforts will enable CPS to completely refurbish and renovate the building.
As well as eliminating the damp, the access to the building will be improved, making it safer for disabled people.
The interior will be restored to its original condition, and lighting and interpretation panels will be installed.
Quick Response (QR) codes on the doocot and other important buildings in Crail will also allow visitors to be directed around the Crail Heritage Trail, making them aware of Crail’s fascinating history.
Lucy Casot, head of the HLF Scotland, said Lottery players were helping to improve neglected or run-down historic buildings across the country.
She concluded: “Crail Priory Doocot Restoration Project will rejuvenate a much-loved building, showing how it can provide an important link to a community’s roots, while being adapted to meet the needs of today.”
