Newhailes Grotto - A Cave of Jewels

This odd looking ruin is located on the Newhailes Estate in Musselburgh.

Apparently when they excavated it about 15(?) years ago they uncovered the original marble floor and found shells from around the world, 18th century wine glass stems and semi precious minerals and jewels placed within the walls to make the inside of the grotto sparkle.

Even stranger was the system of flues built onto the walls as if to create a misty, otherworldly effect when viewed from a distance rather than just provide warmth.

I took the photo from an angle so that the jutting stones that form the face of the grotto can be seen.