Scott Monument

Scott Monument

Sir Walter Scott was born in Edinburgh. He became lame in both legs due to polio at the age of two and remained disabled for life. A poet and historical novelist, he authored 27 lengthy historical novels including Waverley, pioneering the genre of European historical fiction and earning the reputation as the “Soul of Scotland.” He influenced literary masters such as Pushkin and Balzac, and Marx once said that he could stop working but not stop reading Scott’s novels, even when gravely ill. In 1832, Scott passed away, plunging Britain into national mourning. The Scott Monument was built in his honor.

The Scott Monument was completed in 1844 and officially unveiled on August 15, 1846. It stands quietly in Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh, facing Jenners department store across Princes Street and near Waverley Station. The monument is 61.11 meters tall, designed in the Victorian Gothic style. Four smaller spires surround the central tall tower, whose base features arches on all four sides. At the center of the tower stands a white marble statue of Scott, clad in a robe with his beloved dog lying by his side. Additionally, 64 characters from his novels are sculpted into statues that encircle the tower.

The materials used to construct the Scott Monument were sandstone quarried near Edinburgh. Due to the soft nature of the stone, it has darkened to a blackish-brown color in less than 200 years, giving it a distinctly historic appearance. Today, the monument is one of Edinburgh’s most important tourist attractions. Visitors can climb narrow staircases to reach a series of viewing platforms at the top, offering panoramic views of downtown Edinburgh and its surroundings. It is said that reaching the highest platform requires climbing 287 steps, and those who make it to the top can receive a commemorative certificate.

Scott Monument

Must-visit reason: One of Edinburgh’s most famous tourist attractions

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Britain[Britain]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Edinburgh [Edinburgh]

City where the attraction is located: Edinburgh [Edinburgh]