A beautiful example of a drystone traditional corn drying kiln near to Levenwick Beach, Shetland Islands, Scotland.
These were typically attached to the barn and access was gained through an opening from the main building.
Sticks were laid across the diameter of the kiln with the fuel (normally peat) for the fire below. A bed of straw was placed on top of the sticks and this provided a platform for the corn to be dried upon once the fire was lit. A very watchful eye had to kept on the fire lest the sticks, straw and valuable corn went up in smoke.
Shetland kilns were normally oblong in shape. However, many examples of the circular style peculiar to the southern end of the island can still be seen today.