Scott Monument

About Scott Monument

The Scott Monument is the largest monument to a writer in the world. It commemorates Sir Walter Scott.

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 Twitter feed @EdinCulture before travelling as the monument may be closed at short notice for safety reasons.

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. We take every opportunity to ensure the details for Scott Monument are accurate, please contact us at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk if any of the above information is incorrect.

Upcoming Events at Scott Monument

More Museums in Edinburgh

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...
Read more

Lauriston Castle

2 Cramond Road South, Edinburgh West EH4 6AD

When you step inside Lauriston Castle, you see it just as it was in 1926, when it was left to the nation by the last private owner, Mrs Reid.The Castle...
Read more

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.
Read more

National Museum of Scotland

National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1JF

Explore the diversity of the natural world, world cultures, art and design, science and technology and Scottish history, all under one roof at the National...
Read more

Linlithgow Museum

Linlithgow Partnership Centre 93 High Street , Linlithgow EH49 7EZ

A free museum, perfect for locals and visitors alike. Find out about our Royal connections, the trades of the town, the ordinary - and extra-ordinary! - people.
Read more

Chocolate Museum

5 Cranston Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH8 8BE

Find out about the making, the history and the science of chocolate at Edinburgh's chocolate museum. You also get hands-on experience making your own chocolate to take home.
Read more

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.
Read more

Almond Valley Heritage Centre

Almond Valley Heritage Centre Millfield, Livingston EH54 7AR

Almond Valley Heritage Centre in Livingston, West Lothian, is an award winning farm, museum and discovery centre!
Read more

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.Visitors can...
Read more

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.
Read more

All Museums listings in Edinburgh

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Venues