Scott Monument Access

Overview

The Scott Monument stands as a magnificent Victorian Gothic spire, nestled within the picturesque Princes Street Gardens in the heart of Edinburgh, United Kingdom. This iconic landmark serves as a towering tribute to Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland's most celebrated literary figures. Reaching a height of over 200 feet (61 meters), it is widely recognized as the second-largest monument dedicated to a writer in the world. Its intricate design and commanding presence offer visitors a unique opportunity to delve into Scottish history and literature, culminating in breathtaking panoramic views of Edinburgh from its upper galleries.

History & Cultural Background

Following the death of the acclaimed novelist Sir Walter Scott in 1832, a public desire emerged to commemorate his immense contributions to Scottish literature. A competition was launched in 1836 to design a fitting memorial. The winning entry came from George Meikle Kemp, a self-taught architect who submitted his design under the pseudonym 'John Morvo' due to his lack of formal architectural qualifications. Kemp's impressive Gothic vision won over the judges, and construction commenced in 1840, with the foundation stone laid on August 15th of that year. The monument was largely completed by 1844 and officially inaugurated in 1846. Tragically, Kemp never witnessed the completion of his masterpiece, as he drowned in the Union Canal in 1844. The monument's presence profoundly emphasizes Edinburgh's rich literary heritage and the enduring impact of Scott's works.

What Makes It Special

The Scott Monument is a marvel of Victorian Gothic architecture. Its dark Binny sandstone, quarried from West Lothian, gives it a dramatic and brooding appearance, often earning it the affectionate nickname 'Gothic rocket'. At its base, beneath the soaring arches, rests a striking white Carrara marble statue of Sir Walter Scott himself, carved by Sir John Steell. Scott is depicted seated, quill in hand, with his beloved deerhound Maida by his side. Beyond this central figure, the monument is adorned with 68 intricately carved statues representing various characters from Scott's celebrated novels, bringing his literary world to life in stone. These statues, along with 16 heads of Scottish poets and writers, showcase the remarkable craftsmanship and artistic detail poured into the monument's creation. The monument's tiered spire, with its five distinct sections, is a testament to the era's architectural ambition and dedication to a literary hero.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The story of George Meikle Kemp, the monument's designer, is a fascinating tale of an underdog triumphing through talent. His use of a pseudonym, 'John Morvo' (named after the medieval architect of Melrose Abbey, an architectural style Kemp deeply admired), speaks to the societal conventions he overcame. His untimely death before the monument's inauguration adds a poignant layer to its history. Another intriguing detail is the monument's distinctive dark colour. Originally, the Binny sandstone would have been much lighter, but the oily nature of the stone combined with Edinburgh's historical industrial pollution ('Auld Reekie') caused it to blacken over time. While restoration efforts in the 1990s considered cleaning the stonework, a scientific investigation determined it would cause damage, and thus, its dark hue remains a testament to the city's past. Furthermore, Edinburgh's central railway station, Waverley Station, is named after Scott's popular 'Waverley' novels, highlighting his pervasive influence. Inside the monument, on the first level, a museum room features beautiful stained-glass windows and audio installations where visitors can hear extracts from Scott's writings, offering a deeper connection to his literary legacy.

Visitor Perspective

Accessing the upper reaches of the Scott Monument is an experience best suited for the adventurous and physically able. The climb involves ascending a total of 287 steps via a series of narrow, winding spiral staircases. The staircase becomes increasingly narrow as you climb, which can be challenging, particularly for those with claustrophobia or mobility issues; there are no lifts available. However, the effort is richly rewarded with four distinct viewing platforms, each offering progressively more expansive and breathtaking panoramic views of Edinburgh's iconic skyline. From these vantage points, one can marvel at Edinburgh Castle, the historic Old Town, the Georgian New Town, and the surrounding landscapes. The journey typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes, allowing ample time to pause, admire the views, and soak in the atmosphere. On the first level, a small museum room provides historical context and information about Sir Walter Scott and the monument's construction, featuring original artefacts and audio guides available in several languages. While there is a single step at the main entrance and some areas have low lighting, comprehensive accessibility information is available for planning visits. The Scott Monument climb offers a truly memorable perspective of Edinburgh, inviting travelers to connect with its literary heart from a spectacular height.