Scottish National War Memorial
Scottish National War Memorial, War memorial in Edinburgh Castle, Scotland.
The Scottish National War Memorial occupies the former North Barracks within Edinburgh Castle, displaying sculptures and stained glass windows depicting military scenes. The building is carefully arranged to honor those who died in service.
The memorial was completed in 1927 and honors Scottish soldiers who died in both World Wars and later military operations since 1945. It stands on the site of an earlier chapel from the 1530s, connecting different periods of remembrance.
Scottish artists created sculptures, carvings, and stained glass windows throughout the space, with symbolic animal figures representing human qualities. These artistic works give the memorial its character and help visitors understand its deeper meaning.
Visitors can enter the memorial independently of the castle itself and should request free entry by email in advance. It helps to allow time for a quiet visit so you can look at the artworks and names carefully.
The memorial maintains detailed records of every Scottish casualty since World War I, making it a comprehensive record of sacrifice. Visitors can discover names and stories that might otherwise be overlooked.
Location: City of Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Inception: 1924
Architects: Robert Lorimer
Official opening: July 14, 1927
Part of: Edinburgh Castle
GPS coordinates: 55.94850,-3.19980
Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:44
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