Magic Lantern Slide with Photograph of The Hermitage, Friars' Carse

"Hermitage, Friar's Carse", a black and white photographic image of the small sandstone summer house, shrouded in ivy.   Robert Burns' neighbour at Ellisland was Robert Riddell of Friar's Carse, a country estate upstream from the farm. Recognising Burns' talent, Riddell offered him the use of the "Hermitage", a summer house on the estate in which to meditate and write, away from the demands of the farm.   It was here that Burns composed the poem beginning, "Thou whom chance may hither lead" as a tribute to Robert Riddell and their growing friendship. After Riddell's death the Hermitage was allowed to fall into ruin. It was restored in 1874, perhaps due to its connections with the poet.   The romantic nature of the building, designed by Riddell to reflect the monastery which originally occupied the estate, made it an attraction for those visiting Burns' haunts in and around Dumfries; hence its inclusion in a magic lantern show on Burns Country.