Following the launch of trove.scot in February 2025 we are now planning the retiral of some of our webservices. Canmore will be switched off on 24th June 2025. Information about the closure can be found on the HES website: Retiral of HES web services | Historic Environment Scotland
The Hermitage, Ossian's Seat
Structure (Period Unassigned)
Site Name The Hermitage, Ossian's Seat
Classification Structure (Period Unassigned)
Canmore ID 339678
Site Number NO04SW 264
NGR NO 00520 41579
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/339678
- Council Perth And Kinross
- Parish Little Dunkeld
- Former Region Tayside
- Former District Perth And Kinross
- Former County Perthshire
Field Visit (1999 - 2000)
Near to Ossian’s cave, overlooking the river, is a feature made up of large boulders and a stone seat. Many of the boulders appear to have been stacked, ruling out natural deposition, and their location would suggest that they were actively positioned to enhance the site. The rocks have been arranged in such a way as to create a screen for rock shelves overlooking the river. There is little direct evidence of construction apart from a right-angled seat, made from mortared stones set against the side overlooking the river. It would appear that this was again, part of the original design of the Hermitage, affording good views over the river, and a romantic location.
This may be the source of the confusion noted on the 1st edition maps, which show Ossian’s cave and the Hermitage nearby each other.
(HER99 10)
