Scott Monument

Standing proudly in Princes Street Gardens, the Scott Monument is one of the most iconic Edinburgh landmarks, a must-visit for tourists and locals alike.

About Scott Monument

	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

Listed Under Attractions - Museums / Attractions - History and Culture

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.

We take every opportunity to ensure the details for Scott Monument are accurate, if any of the above information is incorrect we would appreciate if you could take a minute to suggest an edit.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Just hit 'Like' on our What's On Edinburgh Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our @WhatOnEdinburgh Twitter or Instagram accounts and you're all set!

Upcoming Events at Scott Monument

Sorry, but we have no upcoming events for Scott Monument. If you know of an event taking place at Scott Monument or anywhere else in Edinburgh tell us about it and we'll list it on the website, for free!

More Museums in Edinburgh

Museums

Craigmillar Castle

Craigmillar Castle Craigmillar Castle Road, Edinburgh South EH16 4SY

Step inside Edinburgh's other castle, once a rural retreat from Scotland's capital!

Museums

Linlithgow Canal Centre

Canal Basin Manse Rd, Linlithgow EH49 6AJ

Canal 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.

Museums

Gladstones Land

477b Lawnmarket, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2NT

Gladstone's Land, the house of wealthy merchant and landlord Thomas Gledstanes showcases high-rise living, 17th-century style, at the beating heart of Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile!

Museums

The Writers Museum

Lawnmarket Lady Stair's Close , Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2PA

The Writers’ Museum celebrates the lives of three great Scottish writers – Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.

Museums

The Royal Yacht Britannia

The Royal Yacht Britannia Ocean Drive, Leith EH6 6JJ

Rated Scotland’s Best Visitor Attraction for 12 years by national tourism agency VisitScotland, Britannia was home to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family for over 40 years.

Museums

Museum Collections Centre

10 Broughton Market, Edinburgh New Town EH3 6NU

The Museums Collections Centre is an amazing treasure trove of objects spanning a wide range of subjects.

Museums

Museum of Childhood Edinburgh

42 High Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1TG

The 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...

Museums

Surgeons Hall Museums

Surgeons Hall Museums Nicolson Street, Edinburgh South EH8 9DW

Surgeons' Hall Museums is home to one of the largest and most historic collections of surgical pathology in the World, open to the public since 1832.

Museums

Queensferry Museum

53 High Street , South Queensferry EH30 9HP

Queensferry museum showcases the past and traditions of historic Queensferry and neighbouring Dalmeny.

Museums

The Peoples Story Museum

163 Canongate , Edinburgh Old Town EH8 8BN

The People's Story gives an unique insight in to Edinburgh's working class people from the 18th century to the late 20th century.

Museums

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery High Street, Dunbar EH42 1ER

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery: the Town House has been the focus of town life since the 16th century.

Museums

John Gray Centre

15 Lodge Street, Haddington EH41 3DX

The John Gray Centre brings together East Lothian Council’s Archaeology, Museum, Archive and Local History Services, alongside Haddington’s branch library.

All Museums listings in Edinburgh