Scott Monument
Address: East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, EH2 2EJ
The Scott Monument is a Victorian Gothic tower on Princes Street Edinburgh, dedicated to the Scottish novelist Sir Walter Scott. It is the largest writer’s monument in the world, standing 61 metres tall. Sir Walter Scott was an incredibly popular novelist, known for great classics including Ivanhoe, Rob Roy and Waverley. Following his death in 1832, the public called for a monument in his honour. So they formed a committee and held a design competition for the contract. The winning entry came from joiner and self-taught architect George Meikle Kemp. On 15th August 1840, the anniversary of Scott’s birthday, they laid the first stone. However, sadly, Kemp died in an accident before the team completed it in autumn 1844.
The tower is made from Binny sandstone, which at one time would have been light in colour, but is now stained black by soot. Visitors can climb to the top of the monument, up a series of spiral staircases, for panoramic views of the city from its viewing platforms.
5 things to do at the Scott Monument
- Walk around the incredibly detailed tower with Gothic spires and intricate stonework.
- Look out for the 64 statues of characters from Scott’s novels, adorning the tower.
- See the white marble statue of Sir Walter Scott, by sculptor John Robert Steell, which sits at the bottom of the tower. It shows a double-life-sized Scott sitting with a book and quill in his hand and his dog Maida at his side.
- Climb 287 steps to the top for magnificent views of the city and surrounding countryside.
- Visit the small museum room inside to learn more about Scott and his works.
