Easter Howgate Barn, Midlothian: Historic Building Recording Report

A pre-development Appraisal/Level 1 historic building recording survey was required by Midlothian Council of the barn, based on nationally recognised guidelines (ALGAO 2013; HE 2016). This level of survey requires a photographic and written record tied into a site plan preceded by an element of archive research (map-regression) to place the findings in context and aid the phasing, general history and development of the building. The barn is what remains of the wider early 19th century farm site at Easter Howgate. It consists of two distinct barns, the southern being a former cart shed with a blocked doorway and window opening in the east wall. There is evidence that the barn was either extended or altered at some point in the past to the south end. The assessment of the timbers have concluded that the timber-framed roof over the barn is unlikely to be original, formed of narrow sawn pine rafters with sarking boards. The lintel over the large opening in the east wall of Barn 2 consists of two large re-used timbers. It is therefore concluded that the timbers within the barn are not suitable candidates for dendrochronology.