Scott Monument

　　    Walter Scott was born in Edinburgh and became lame due to polio at the age of two, remaining disabled for life. He was both a poet and a historical novelist, having written 27 major historical novels including *Waverley*, pioneering the genre of European historical fiction and earning the title “Spirit of Scotland.” He influenced a host of literary masters such as Pushkin and Balzac, and Marx even once said that he could stop working but not stop reading Scott’s novels when he was seriously ill. When Scott died in 1832, the whole of Britain mourned, and 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 close to Waverley Station. The monument is 61.11 meters tall and features an overall Victorian Gothic architectural style. Four smaller spires surround the central tower, which has arches on all four sides at its base. At the center of the tower stands a white marble statue of Scott, clad in a robe with his beloved dog lying beside him. In addition, statues of 64 characters from his works are carved and arrayed around the tower.

　　    The materials used to build the Scott Monument were sandstone quarried near Edinburgh. Due to the porous nature of the stone, it darkened to a blackish-brown color in less than 200 years, giving it an ancient appearance. Today, the monument has become 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 the city center and surrounding areas. 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: Europe     Country/Region: Britain     Province/State: Edinburgh     City: Edinburgh