Ossian's Hall of Mirrors

Ossian's Hall of Mirrors can be found in the beautiful woodland of The Hermitage, next to the A9, to the west of Dunkeld.

The folly sits high on the crags above the Black Linn Falls of the River Braan.

The original folly was built here as a summerhouse for James Murray, the 2nd Duke of Atholl in 1757. It was built as a small remote retreat.

Maybe it was a bit too small and basic, as Ossian's Hall was built in 1783 to replace the summerhouse. It was built to resemble a small temple, and inside it was extravagantly decorated with plasterwork, paintings and mirrors.

When entering the folly, guests would come face to face with a life sized painting of the blind bard, Ossian. It would then be pulleyed behind a recess, revealing main event. A drawing room filled with views and noise, as the mirrors on the walls and ceiling reflected the Black Linn Falls.

Ossian's Hall was visited by many famous guests, one being William Wordsworth, who visited in 1803. At that time, there was also a pretty rock garden next to the building with intersecting paths. William describing the place as a 'World of Wonder'.

In 1869, vandals blew up part of Ossian's Hall, possibly as a protest against a toll that John Stewart-Murray, the 7th Duke of Atholl, imposed at Dunkeld Bridge. Once repaired, the painting of Ossian was replaced with a portrait of William Duff, a renowned local ghillie known as 'Beardy Willie'.

Sadly, by the early 1900's the Hall had become derelict and left to decay.

In 1943, Katharine Marjory Stewart-Murray, the 8th Duchess of Atholl donated the hall and 33 acres to the National Trust for Scotland, in accordance with the wishes of the late husband.

In 2007, the National Trust for Scotland restored Ossian's Hall, and thankfully now we all get to enjoy it, even if it is without the mirrors.

The walk to Ossian's Hall Of Mirrors is a fabulous family stroll from the National Trust Car Park. I have visited several times over the years, and without a doubt autumn is the most stunning.

The Hermitage walks are all shown on the information board in the car park, and Ossian's Hall Of Mirrors is the easiest.

Just head west along the path that runs parallel with the river. Don't forget to visit Ossian's Cave if you have time, it's not far and a great little walk.

Ossian's Hall Of Mirrors is a Category B Listed Building with Historic Environment Scotland.

It is just under 1km to the folly.

Follow the above route, or find on OS Maps.