A HEATING system which would have been state-of-the-art when it was built in the late 18th century has been discovered in a Highland Perthshire beauty spot.

The find was one of several major surprises for the National Trust for Scotland, whose workers are seeking to reinvigorate Ossian’s Hall at The Hermitage.

Detailed historical research and archaeological investigations have been ongoing at the 250-year-old building for some time.

Ben Notley, the trust’s Perthshire area manager, said, “This project has provided a unique opportunity to discover more about Ossian’s Hall.

“It’s important for us to understand as much as we can as the more information we have the better equipped we will be to make decisions on the hall’s future and ensure we are protecting the original parts.”

Shannon Fraser, the trust’s north-east regional archaeologist, added, “It has been tremendously exciting, as we have gained totally new insights into the building’s construction and history. Even after 250 years, Ossian’s Hall still held surprises.”

The original Ossian’s Hall—dedicated to the Celtic bard—was built in 1757 but was changed or repaired a number of times.

Visitors were given a series of experiences including hidden and sliding doors, gradually increasing sound levels and clever use of mirrors to give the impression of being surrounded by moving water.

The culmination of these experiences was the view of the Falls of Braan.

Shannon Fraser said, “One of the most unexpected discoveries is the fancy heating system of the 1780s. There were small, lean-to buildings on either side of the hall, which housed ovens. The hot air from these flowed up through the flues inside the walls, exiting through a central chimney.

“This was very posh, using technology that was normally seen in hot-houses and walled gardens, to provide warm conditions for tender plants.”

Mr Notley added, “There was an attempt to blow the hall up in 1869 and while we have an early photo showing the damage, we hadn’t found physical evidence of the explosion before.

“Although the repairs at the time were extremely good, replicating the damaged stone exactly, the stone used was very slightly softer than the original, and has weathered much more, as can be seen above the door.”

The project is not attempting to recreate the original design, complete with the mirrors and furniture because there would be too much conjecture. Instead, it is devising a contemporary installation giving the place a new interior while respecting its history and design.

The work is expected to take another couple of months and the hall will remain closed to visitors.