Description

The monument consists of the remains of Kirkforthar House, a 17th- century residence which was remodelled during the 18th century, and its associated dovecot.

The three-storey building is situated on cultivated land 3km N of Markinch. It is rectangular with a small N projection extending about 4m from the NE wall. The house was the seat of George Johnstone Lindsay in 1488, subsequently passing to the Balfours of Balbirnie. The walls are near complete: both of the gables survive (7-8m

high); together with part of the SW wall and most of the E portion including the NE wing. The house measures 21m E-W by 13m N-S. The masonry is random rubble with freestone dressings.

The dovecot is located 40m W of the house. It is circular, 5.5m in diameter and 4m high, rubble-built and has been harled. It has a string course and had a lean-to slate roof. Originally it was lined with 516 nest holes. The dovecot is now derelict.

The area to be scheduled is rectangular, measuring a maximum of 80m E-W by 65m N-S, to include the house, dovecot and an area surrounding and between in which further features are likely to survive, as seen in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance as the remains of a 17th century house belonging to the Lindsays who held the lands since about 1488. It may have been built on the site of an earlier residence dating back to the early 15th century. The early history is lacking and the site of the house may provide evidence, through a combination of historical research and archaeological excavation, which may shed light on a possible relationship between the early history of the Lindsay family and the pre-Reformation chapel of Kirkforthar, about which little is known.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS record the monument as NO20SE 9 and 10.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland