Scott Monument, Gothic monument in Princes Street Gardens, Scotland.
The Scott Monument is a Gothic tower in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, Scotland, rising 61 meters (200 feet) with walls built from dark stone. The structure shows detailed carvings and pinnacles at each level, following Victorian architecture.
Construction began in 1841 after George Meikle Kemp won the competition for a memorial to honor Sir Walter Scott. The architect died in 1844 before work was finished, and the tower opened in 1846.
The tower carries 64 sculptures showing figures from Walter Scott's novels, including heroes and heroines from his most famous works. A marble statue inside shows the writer seated, accompanied by his dog Maida resting at his feet.
Visitors can climb 287 steps across four levels to reach the top viewing platform, which offers views over the city. A room on the first floor holds information about the writer and the structure.
The dark color of the stone came from air pollution during Victorian times, when Edinburgh carried the nickname Auld Reekie. Today the black surface is partly preserved during cleaning work to keep the historical appearance.
Location: City of Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Inception: 1840
Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible
Address: East Princes Street Gardens
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-21:00
Phone: +441315294068
Website: http://edinburghmuseums.org.uk/venues/scott-monument
GPS coordinates: 55.95242,-3.19328
Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:56
Edinburgh sits on volcanic rock, with its castle overlooking a medieval street that runs down to a royal palace. The Old Town preserves buildings from centuries past, while the New Town displays Georgian architecture in wide streets and elegant squares. Museums hold collections from Scottish...
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