Scott Monument
The Scott Monument, a striking Victorian Gothic spire in the heart of Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens, stands as a grand tribute to Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s most celebrated literary figures. Designed by George Meikle Kemp and completed in 1846, the 61-metre structure is the second-largest monument to a writer in the world. Built from Binny sandstone, its intricate arches, pinnacles, and statues depict characters from Scott’s novels, while at its base a marble statue of the author sits with his dog, Maida. Visitors can climb 287 narrow steps to reach viewing platforms offering panoramic vistas over the city, the Firth of Forth, and the surrounding hills. More than a memorial, the monument is a symbol of Edinburgh’s literary heritage and a focal point of its skyline, blending architectural splendour with the enduring legacy of a writer whose works helped shape Scotland’s cultural identity.
Edinburgh ScotlandThe Scott Monument is a striking Victorian Gothic structure located in Princes Street Gardens, right in the heart of Edinburgh’s city centre. It is dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, Scotland’s renowned historical novelist and poet, and is one of the largest monuments to a writer in the world. The monument stands over 200 feet tall and features a narrow spiral staircase of 287 steps leading to viewing platforms that provide spectacular panoramic views of Edinburgh, including the Old Town, Edinburgh Castle, and the surrounding countryside. Nearby, visitors can explore Princes Street Gardens, a beautiful public park that offers a relaxing green space with views of the city skyline. Within a short walking distance are key attractions such as Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station, the Royal Scottish Academy, the National Gallery of Scotland, and bustling Princes Street with its shops and restaurants. The Writers’ Museum, celebrating Scottish literary greats including Scott, is also close by, making this area a cultural hub enriched with history and scenic appeal.
National Museum of Scotland
Edinburgh
Museum of Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Surgeons’ Hall Museums
Edinburgh
Museum of Childhood Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Museum on the Mound
Edinburgh
National War Museum of Scotland
Edinburgh
Newhaven Heritage Museum
Edinburgh
People’s Story Museum
Edinburgh
Writers’ Museum
Edinburgh
St Cecilia’s Hall
Edinburgh
Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage
Edinburgh
Corstorphine Heritage Centre
Edinburgh
Queensferry Museum
Edinburgh
Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum
Edinburgh
Royal Observatory Visitor Centre
Edinburgh
Our Dynamic Earth
Edinburgh
Trinity House Maritime Museum
Edinburgh
Museum of Magic, Fortune-Telling & Witchcraft
Edinburgh
King’s Theatre
Edinburgh
Festival Theatre
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Playhouse
Edinburgh
Queen’s Hall
Edinburgh
Usher Hall
Edinburgh
Royal Lyceum Theatre
Edinburgh
Traverse Theatre
Edinburgh
Bedlam Theatre
Edinburgh
Church Hill Theatre
Edinburgh
Rose Theatre
Edinburgh
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Edinburgh
Summerhall
Edinburgh
St Stephen’s Theatre
Edinburgh
Festival Square Theatre
Edinburgh
Leith Theatre
Edinburgh
Portobello Town Hall
Edinburgh
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Edinburgh
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
Edinburgh
City Art Centre
Edinburgh
Collective Gallery
Edinburgh
Fruitmarket Gallery
Edinburgh
Open Eye Gallery
Edinburgh
Leith Walk Gallery
Edinburgh
Braewell Gallery
Edinburgh
Dovecot Studios
Edinburgh
Morningside Gallery
Edinburgh
West End Craft & Design Fair
Edinburgh
Bourne Fine Art Gallery
Edinburgh
Red Door Gallery
Edinburgh
Marchmont Gallery
Edinburgh
Talbot Rice Gallery
Edinburgh
Torrance Gallery
Edinburgh
Gallery TEN
Edinburgh
Wasps Patriothall Studios and Gallery
Edinburgh
Rhubaba Gallery and Studios
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Edinburgh
Craigmillar Castle
Edinburgh
Holyrood Park
Edinburgh
Princes Street Gardens
Edinburgh
The Meadows
Edinburgh
Inverleith Park
Edinburgh
Calton Hill
Edinburgh
Harrison Park
Edinburgh
Victoria Park
Edinburgh
Pilrig Park
Edinburgh
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Edinburgh
Arthur’s Seat
Edinburgh
The Royal Mile
Edinburgh
St Giles’ Cathedral
Edinburgh
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Dean Village
Edinburgh
Innocent Railway Tunnel & Path
Edinburgh
The Real Mary King’s Close
Edinburgh
The Scotch Whisky Experience
Edinburgh
The Edinburgh Dungeon
Edinburgh
Grassmarket
Edinburgh
Stockbridge Market
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Farmers’ Market
Edinburgh
Leith Market
Edinburgh
Tron Kirk Market
Edinburgh
Ocean Terminal Market
Edinburgh