Scott Monument

Scott Monument, Princes Street, Edinburgh
©2011 Gazetteer for Scotland

The Scott Monument was build between 1840 and 1846 as a memorial to the writer Sir Walter Scott (1771 - 1832). Designed by architect George Kemp (1795 - 1844), who won a competition with his design, its Gothic cathedral-like presence dominates the south side of Edinburgh's Princes Street. The monument is maintained by the City of Edinburgh Council, and the public can climb the 287 steps to the top of the monument for spectacular views of the city.

The sandstone used in the construction came from Binny Quarry at Uphall (West Lothian), which was especially re-opened from a major restoration of the monument in 1998/9.

Use the tabs on the right of this page to see other parts of this entry