Scott Monument East Princes Street Gardens , Edinburgh Old Town EH2 2EJ | |
01315294068 | |
Scott Monument Website | |
Follow EdinCulture on Twitter | |
Facebook information can be found here | |
Follow museumsgalleriesedinburgh on Instagram | |
Dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, it is one of the largest monuments to a writer anywhere in the world.
There are 287 steps to the top of the Scott Monument, from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside. Find out about Sir Walter Scott and the monument in the museum room.
The monument was designed by George Meikle Kemp (1795 - 1844) who was inspired by the architecture of Melrose Abbey and Roslin Chapel. It is over 200 feet (61 metres) high, with 287 steps to four levels from which you can have spectacular views. The foundation stone was laid on August 15th 1840, Scott's birthday, and the inauguration ceremony was held six years later on the same date.
Look out for the 64 statues of characters from the books of Sir Walter Scott, the Edinburgh-born writer famous for his historical novels. Learn more of his story and how George Meikle Kemp designed this amazing Gothic structure - a prodigious building feat of its time. Some of the earliest photographs ever taken show the building of the monument in the 1840s.
The statue at the base of the monument is of Scott, with his dog Maida, by sculptor Sir John Steell, who carved it from Italian Carrara marble.
During adverse weather conditions (high winds especially) please check our social media accounts before travelling as the monument may be closed at short notice for safety reasons.
Almond Valley Heritage Centre in Livingston, West Lothian, is an award winning farm, museum and discovery centre!
READ MOREHead off on a journey of discovery at this former airfield as you explore the history of aviation from the First World War to the present day
READ MOREThe Georgian House, Robert Adam's masterpiece of urban architecture with its elegant furnished interior, is located at No. 7 Charlotte Square in the centre of Edinburgh!
READ MOREDiscover the story of Scotland at war within the walls of Edinburgh Castle with a visit to the National War Musuem.
READ MOREThe National Mining Museum Scotland, a 5 Star visitor attraction housed in the wonderfully restored Lady Victoria Colliery in Newtongrange!
READ MOREStep inside Edinburgh's other castle, once a rural retreat from Scotland's capital!
READ MOREDating back to 1470 John Knox House is one of Scotland's greatest cultural treasures and is associated with the most dramatic events in Scotland's turbulent history!
READ MOREThe John Gray Centre brings together East Lothian Council’s Archaeology, Museum, Archive and Local History Services, alongside Haddington’s branch library.
READ MORECanal Cruises to Avon Aqueduct, Linlithgow Boat Trips, Tearoom, Canal Museum, Charters and Self-Drive Canal Boat Hire. Open from Easter until the end of September.
READ MOREThe Museum of Childhood has a place in the hearts of millions. The first museum in the world dedicated to the history of childhood, it displays toys and...
READ MOREWhen you step inside Lauriston Castle, you see it just as it was in 1926, when it was left to the nation by the last private owner, Mrs Reid.
READ MOREEdinburgh Castle dominates Scotland's capital city from its great rock. Its story has helped shape the nation's story.
READ MORE