From The Hermitage to Craigvinean Forest Ruins

Seeking farmstead ruins hidden in Craigvinean Forest.
360 Panorama of ruins: https://kuula.co/share/LbcKQ?logo=1&info=1&fs=1&vr=0&zoom=1&thumbs=1
3D Model: https://superspl.at/scene/dd181dca

Stewartfield, Craigvinean Forest, Perthshire

Stewartfield (historically also written Steuartfield) is a former farmstead and small estate located within what is now Craigvinean Forest, west of Dunkeld in Perthshire. Although today it survives only as substantial ruins hidden amongst mature woodland, archival records show that it was once an active agricultural holding forming part of the Atholl Estate.

The earliest surviving estate plans indicate that Stewartfield existed by at least the late eighteenth century. National Records of Scotland archives include a 1788 plantation plan, 1801 sketch plan, 1821 farm plan, 1822 improvement plan, and architectural drawings for additions to Stewartfield Cottage dated 1821. These documents demonstrate that Stewartfield was not an isolated cottage but a developed agricultural property that underwent planned improvements during the period of Scottish Agricultural Improvement.

The 1821 architectural drawings record proposals for enlarging the cottage, suggesting that the farm remained economically viable during the early nineteenth century. Additional estate plans from 1822 show proposals for hedges and other agricultural improvements, indicating continuing investment by the estate.

During the nineteenth century, however, the character of the surrounding landscape changed dramatically. The Dukes of Atholl became pioneers of large-scale forestry, particularly the planting of European larch on Craigvinean Hill. Much of the former farmland surrounding Stewartfield was gradually converted to woodland as commercial forestry expanded. Like several neighbouring farms, Stewartfield ultimately ceased agricultural production and was abandoned as the forest enveloped the site.