Scott Monument

A monument with a story

After Scott died in 1832, the city held a design competition. It was won by George Meikle Kemp, a self-taught joiner who entered under a pseudonym. Building ran from 1840 to 1844, but Kemp drowned in the Union Canal before it was finished, and the monument was inaugurated in 1846. Look for the marble statue of Scott with his dog Maida by Sir John Steell at its base.

Climbing to the top

Narrow spiral staircases lead up through a series of viewing platforms, with the highest reached after 287 steps. Partway up, a museum room tells the story of Scott's life and of the memorial itself. The stairs get tighter as you climb, so it suits people who are comfortable with confined spaces and heights. Guided tours are also offered – check the Culture Edinburgh site for what's on.

Around the monument

The monument is on Princes Street, so it's easy to fit between other city-centre stops. The National Galleries of Scotland are a short walk west along the gardens, and the Writers' Museum, which holds original Scott artefacts, is about seven minutes away across the valley in the Old Town. For lunch, Dishoom and The Dome are both close by.

Highlights

• 287 steps to the highest viewing platform
• 61-metre Victorian Gothic spire, completed in 1844
• Marble statue of Scott and his dog Maida by Sir John Steell
• 68 further statues, many of characters from Scott's novels

Good to know

• The stairs are narrow spirals – there's no lift to the platforms.
• The monument closes when Princes Street Gardens is closed, so check Culture Edinburgh before you go.
• The Writers' Museum, with original Scott items, is about a seven-minute walk away.

Frequently asked questions