Shieldhaig, Kilmahog

Mid 19th century rectangular-plan single storey and attic former farm house with former byre to E (byre now converted to form part of shop premises). The Shieldaig operated as a dairy farm until the mid/later 20th century and is situated to the outer E fringes of the village adjacent to the A84 (The Old Militiary Road). It is now surrounded by a large late 20th century complex which runs to its W, N and E. The complex houses the premises of the Trossachs Woollen Mill. Although the building is surrounded on 3 of its sides by modern buildings, the farmhouse remains largely unaltered. It is therefore of good local interest providing an attractive addition to the approach of Kilmahog from Callander.

The house possibly contains fabric of a pair of cottages subsequently unified, enlarged and raised. This is suggested by the 1st edition Ordanance Survey map and presence of an off-centre ridge stack possibly marking out the former division of the properties. The ground floor is set below the current road level indicating that the road has been raised over time. The centred main door to the principal S elevation has a porch with a lean-to roof supported on brackets with rough hewn timber posts inserted to the outer edges in the late 20th century. An inserted bipartite window is arranged to the right bay with the window to the left bay set asymmetrically within the bay. It is possible that the positioning of the window in the left bay reflects the original configuration of the cottage. A pair of breaking eaves windows are framed in gablets to the attic.

Formerly listed as 'Shieldaig' Kilmahog. Photographs held by Historic Scotland taken in the 1970s show the rear elevation of the house before it was obscured by additions. It appears to show that the upper part of the wall is built from brick, indicating that the original building was heightened to accommodate the attic.

1 December 2021: External inspection finds the cottage, an integral part of of former farm complex now in use as a retail unit, disused and may have been so for some time. The rear elevation could not be inspected but from the visible fabric the building appears overall to be in fair condition with localised areas of damage. To the roof the ridge is intact as are the majority of slates - a small number of chipped and missing units being evident. Rainwater goods are intact and appear to be functioning in the main but are rusting in places and vegetation has accumulated in parts of the gutter. Chimneys are plumb but the rendered finish has cracked in places and one section has spalled. Walls appear plumb, some limited dampness to the base of walls but the rendered finish to the exposed western walls has been subject to spalling - patching suggests this may be an ongoing issue. Timber elements are in need of maintenance but are intact. One door in fully boarded over, the main partially. Glazings are intact but with one unit cracked. The front garden area is under maintenance. The properties lies hard to the busy A84.