Localization of plasmon resonances within fractions of the wavelength of the exciting laser is shown by means of surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Our results confirm speculations on sub-wavelength resolution capabilities of SERS as well as provide a tool to understand highly localized plasmon excitations in disordered metallic nanostructures. It also provides some insight into the nature of hot-spots, believed to be responsible for the huge amplifications seen in single molecule SERS. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.