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The Scott Monument is a fine example of Gothic architecture designed in 1840 by George Meikle Kemp a self taught architect. Poor George never got to see his design completed, he tripped in a fog & fell in the Union Canal in 1844 & drowned. The Scott Monument was build to honour the famous Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott, his statue can be seen at ground level, here he is portrayed in white Carrara marble. If you are feeling fit you can climb the 200 feet up 287 steps - they say great views can be seen from the lofty position - I'll take their word for it & save my legs!! Leave a Comment
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Spring time allows me to see the soot darkened monument, so much a feature of Edinburgh city scape, with a gentler eye. At this distance it is a mere spike in the sky, but no mere church spire, close up.
The Scott Monument was built 1840-46 as a memorial to the writer Sir Walter Scott (1771 - 1832). It was designed by architect George Kemp (1795-1844), who won a competition with his gothic design.
The public can climb the 287 steps to the top of the monument for "spectacular" views of the city.
Though the area beneath the monument is forever busy, being adjacent to the tour buses and tourist information at Waverley train station, I don't find this area particularly attractive. However, walk further along the gardens and you'll find beauty in the heart of this diesel and hop smelling city. Whilst the monument testifies to the pollution of coal fires, the traffic on Princes Street brings a modern day mess of fumes and noise. Yet just a step away is the sanctuary and calm of the gardens. Guess where you'll find me?! Leave a Comment
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Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832) made a key contribution to Scottish literature. In 1814 his novel Waverley, based on the Jacobite Rising was an instant success and over the next dozen or so years he wrote 23 historical novels.
His monument in Princes Street Gardens is testimony to his contribution to Scottish literature
The Scott Monument was built between 1840 and 1844. The monument dominates the views across the Waverley Valley and much of Princes Street. There are 64 statuettes of characters from Sir Walter Scott’s books.
The Scott Monument is 200 ft high and the top is reached via 287 steps. The statue of Sir Walter Scott is executed in Carrara marble and is more than double life-size. Leave a Comment
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If you are not claustrophobic or afraid of heights you can pay three euros and climb a narrow winding staircase (287 steps according to the certificate they give you) up to the top of the Scott Monument, where you have fine views in all directions.
This particular photo shows the view looking more or less Northeast or East-Northeast at Calton Hill, and beyond that the Firth of Forth.
The monument was built starting in 1840, and was completed in 1844.
About halfway up (or down) there is a room with some information, also in audio form in several languages, about Scott's life and writings.
For some more views, please see my Views of Edinburgh travelogue.
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On Princes Street in the center of Edinburgh there is a tall (200 feet 6 inches = 61.1 meters) monument to the Scottish author Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832).
Scott was the author of numerous books including the novel The Bride of Lammermoor, published in 1819. It is the story of a young woman, Lucy Ashton, who is forced by her family to marry a man she detests. She is driven to insanity, and stabs her husband on their wedding night.
This story formed the basis of the opera Lucia di Lammermoor by Gaetano Donizetti (1797-1848), with its famous "mad scene" which goes on for about twenty minutes (after the stabbing) with mainly just the soprano and a haunting flute accompaniment. When people ask me what my favorite opera is I usually say this one, which I have seen in Hamburg, Hannover, Berlin and Darmstadt at various times. (I'm listening to Edita Gruberova sing it as I write this.) Leave a Comment
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The Scott Monument was erected in memory of the Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott, who died in 1832. The monument was designed by George Meikle Kemp, whose only building it is and who died during its construction. The alomost 70 m high momument was officially inaugurated on 15th August 1846. Leave a Comment Directions: The Scott Monument faces the Princes Street near the eastern end of the Princes Streest Gardens.
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I haven't got a clue about the history of this momunent, only that they started cleaning it and changed their minds as the stone was a bit weak in places.
Best way I know to get cardiac arrest! the stairs are steep and narrow and at the top SO narrow that only one person can pass at a time. Not recommended for super large people.
You get pretty good views of Princes Street, although if it is at all misty (our famous haar from the sea drifting inland) you can only see part of it. I would only do this once in my lifetime, but it must be fabulous to be up there during the Hogmanay celebrations.
Pictures courtesy of IMANIAC and ATYPIC, thanks guys!
I've added a couple of websites if you want to see what the view is from up there. On the day we were vertically challenged, it was misty and the views were not to be seen. Best leave it to the experts and the webmaster! Leave a Comment
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Climb the 287 steps to the upper gallery for a great view of the capital. Cost of entry is £3.
The monument dedicated to the writer Sir Walter Scott in Princes Street Gardens is a landmark that most people associate with his poems & novels however I feel that he had a greater legacy for the Scotland and especially Edinburgh.
The visit of George IV in 1822 was the first to Scotland by a reigning monarch since 1650. Having been made a baronet in that year, Sir Walter arranged a grand pageant for the Royal visit and even went to the length of persuading the King that he was part of the Stuart bloodline, whereby the king had a highland outfit commisioned in Royal Tartan (now known as Royal Stuart). Scott produced a booklet on the etiquette entitled "HINTS addressed to the INHABITANTS OF EDINBURGH AND OTHERS in prospect of HIS MAJESTY'S VISIT by an old citizen". At the Grand Ball all guests were encouraged that "no Gentleman is to be allowed to appear in any thing but the ancient Highland costume". This was to lead to a new found national identity for Scotland and the popularisation of tartan as a national dress.
Waverley Station is also a dedication to Scott (novel of that name published in 1814).
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You cannot miss this monument. It stands 200ft high on Princes Street and was built as a tribute to novelist Sir Walter Scott.
A circular stairway climbs to the top (about 300 steps) with amazing views of the gardens below. Leave a Comment
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Sir Walter Scot was born in 1771 in Edinburgh. he became a advocate and wrote poems and novels.
It is a long climb to the top but it is worth it. although the last end is very narrow. so people like me have a bit of a problem.
also you have pass other people so sometimes i yelled coming up or asked is someone was going down.
1 April - 30 September
Monday - Saturday: 9am - 6pm
Sunday: 10am - 6pm
1 October - 31 March
Monday - Saturday: 9am - 3pm
Sunday: 10am - 3pm
Admission £3.00
Last entry 5.30
http://www.aboutbritain.com/ScottMonument.htm
Atm there are working on the building but it is open. Leave a Comment
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