Edinburgh in 287 Steps
The Scott Monument was built to commemorate Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland's greatest novelists.
Scott’s novels include Ivanhoe, Rob Roy, The Heart of Midlothian and Waverley.
Monument history
The Monument is 200 feet and 6 inches (61.1metres) high, with 287 steps to the top.
The climb through the internal stairways is in four stages, with 360 degree viewing galleries on each level.
The galleries provide unrivalled panoramic views of Edinburgh’s historic Old and New Towns.
Level one is home to the Museum room where you can sit and discover more about Sir Walter Scott and the architecture of the Monument.
Opening - New Extended Opening Hours
Summer (from April 1st):
Monday-Sunday 10am-7pm
Winter (from October 1st)
Monday-Saturday 9am-3pm
Sunday 10am-3pm
Admission
£3.00
Following the death of Sir Walter Scott in 1832, an architectural
competition invited designs for an appropriate memorial to the
great Scottish writer.
The winning design was submitted by George Meikle Kemp and
construction began in 1840.
The official foundation stone was laid with great ceremony on
Scott's birthday, the 15th August, and the day declared a public
holiday in Edinburgh.
Sadly, Kemp died before the Monument could be completed,
drowning in the Union canal on the night of 6th March 1844.
The Scott Monument is Gothic in style. 64 niches contain
statuettes of characters from Scott's novels and the likenesses
of 16 Scottish poets adorn pilasters supporting the vaulted roof.
The statue of Sir Walter Scott at the centre of the monument
was sculpted in Carrera marble by John Steell.
The total cost of building the Monument was £16,000, the bulk
of the money raised by public subscription.
The Monument was officially opened in August 1846.
Sir Walter Scott
"A great genius who does not have an equal"
-Goethe
"One of the noblest geniuses of modern times"
-Balzac
"Scott certainly is the most wonderful writer of the day.
His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his
poetry as good as any - if not better."
-Byron
