Foyers Mains Steading, Foyers

Steading; dated 1865. Single storey and loft E-plan range, NW facing with courtyards infilled (slightly later') with covered cattle courts. Harl pointed rubble with tooled ashlar dressings. Centre range with paired segmental-headed cart bays with pronounced keystones and loft door in centre. Apex
bellcote (bell missing) with datestone in base and cast-iron weathervane. Flanking cattle courts with similar wide entrances; ridge vents to both courts and flanking ranges; ridge and end stacks; slate roof. To rear of steading an unusual low octagonal structure seemingly designed for use as both a henhouse and dovecote. 4-paned windows placed below eaves level, dovecote flight-holes in gablets. Also rubble, with facetted slate roof, and perhaps also dating from 1865.

Stands slightly SE of former Foyer House (demolished; seat of Frasers of Foyers). Interesting hen-house/dovecote sited to rear of steading probably also dating from 1865; in poor condition and not included in listing. (Historic Environment Scotland List Entry)

October 1993: External inspection reveals the steading to be in poor repair, with collapsing roofs, leaking gutters, and spalling stonework. The Scottish Agricultural College's Farm Buildings Survey has produced a plan for conversion into 5 holiday cottages with demolition of the 3 internal cattle courts to make way for courtyard gardens. January 1994: The owner seeks permission to convert into holiday accommodation and associated facilities. December 1996: Local planners report that the steading's condition is deteriorating. Conversion is not now being pursued. January 1998: Local planners report that the steading is now seriously deteriorating and urgently requires attention. January 1999: Local planners report no change.

June 2008: Local planners report that a meeting with the owners and their architect was held to discuss the options to bring a scheme of repairs and conversion forward as soon as possible. There has been significant deterioration in the building's fabric; much of the roof structure has collapsed or is near collapse.The masonry bellcote has fallen onto the roof behind and numerous trees are growing from the wallheads.

25 June 2013: External inspection finds much of the roof structure has now collapsed. What remains is in the process of collapsing. Extensive vegetation growths have established in the roofless sections. Stonework is now decaying badly.

21 February 2018: External inspection finds the building remains in much the same condition as seen previously. Evidence suggests a small fire may have occurred at the site.

19 February 2024: Desk-based assessment suggests the complex remains At Risk.