Boghall Byre, Kingsbarns

Single-storey impressive double pile 21-bay isolated byre range. Coursed rubble with long and short sandstone dressings to entrance. Wide timber gabled entrance, M-piend roof, pantiles, some glass tiles. Later ridge ventilation pipes set at right angles.S (PRINCIPAL) ELEVATION: symmetrical, bays grouped 10-1-10. Simple, deep square feed openings.

A highly unusual large byre situated a short distance to the north of Boghall Farm itself, the structure is notable not only for its scale but also for its solitary location. Boghall appears on Ainslie's 1775 map. Built during the 19th century period of prosperity in farming, the structure first appears on the 2nd Edition OS Map. Numbers of cattle on British farms increased by one third between 1864 and 1874 and an increased awareness of the benefits of providing appropriate shelter resulted in covered cowhouses. Boghall was sold to the local Monypenny of Pitmilly family in 1851 by Sir Thomas Erskine of nearby Cambo House. The Monypennys were granted their lands in 1211 and owned many tenanted farms in the area in the 19th century. The estate was gradually broken up in the 20th century: Boghall was sold in 1920 and Pitmilly House itself in 1929 (it was demolished 1967-8). The central gable of north elevation is somewhat dilapidated. (Historic Scotland)

14 January 2014: Nominated for the Register by a member of the public advises a full demolition application for the byre has been lodged with Fife Council ref: 13/03877/LBC. A previous demolition application (10/02706/LBC) was withdrawn. For Investigation.

5 August 2014: Limited external inspection possible. From what could be viewed much of the complex appears to remain roofed. Other sections have areas of stripped pantiles exposing the timber rafters. Move to At Risk.

18 December 2014: Listed Building Consent for demolition of the range was lodged but withdrawn ref: 13/03877/LBC

13 June 2019: External inspection finds the building has generally deteriorated and there have been areas of roof collapse, exposing the interior timber to the elements. Condition moved to Very Poor.

3 May 2024: Desk-based assessment suggests the building remains At-Risk.