CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT
ADVERSE WEATHER - STORM AMY: Some outdoor events due to be held over the coming days have been postponed or cancelled. Where possible we are updating listings, but please check with the organiser before travelling.

Scott Monument

Standing proudly in Princes Street Gardens, the Scott Monument is one of the most iconic Edinburgh landmarks, a must-visit for tourists and locals alike.

Scott Monument

About Scott Monument

Scott Monument East Princes Street Gardens , Edinburgh Old Town EH2 2EJ
01315294068
Scott Monument Website
Facebook information can be found here

Dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, it is one of the largest monuments to a writer anywhere in the world.

There are 287 steps to the top of the Scott Monument, from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside. Find out about Sir Walter Scott and the monument in the museum room.

The monument was designed by George Meikle Kemp (1795 - 1844) who was inspired by the architecture of Melrose Abbey and Roslin Chapel. It is over 200 feet (61 metres) high, with 287 steps to four levels from which you can have spectacular views. The foundation stone was laid on August 15th 1840, Scott's birthday, and the inauguration ceremony was held six years later on the same date.

Look out for the 64 statues of characters from the books of Sir Walter Scott, the Edinburgh-born writer famous for his historical novels. Learn more of his story and how George Meikle Kemp designed this amazing Gothic structure - a prodigious building feat of its time. Some of the earliest photographs ever taken show the building of the monument in the 1840s.

The statue at the base of the monument is of Scott, with his dog Maida, by sculptor Sir John Steell, who carved it from Italian Carrara marble.

During adverse weather conditions (high winds especially) please check our social media accounts before travelling as the monument may be closed at short notice for safety reasons.

Upcoming Events at Scott Monument

More Museums in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle Castlehill, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2NG

Edinburgh Castle dominates Scotland's capital city from its great rock. Its story has helped shape the nation's story.

READ MORE

Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage

1A Dryden Terrace, Edinburgh East EH7 4NB

The museum tells the story of Scottish firefighting from its inception to present day. Explore antique fire engines, engaging interactives, artefacts and more.

READ MORE

Museum on the Mound

Museum on the Mound The Mound,, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1YZ

The Museum on the Mound is located in the heart of Edinburgh's city centre, just 500 metres from Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street!

READ MORE

National Mining Museum Scotland

Lady Victoria Colliery Newtongrange, Dalkeith EH22 4QN

The National Mining Museum Scotland, a 5 Star visitor attraction housed in the wonderfully restored Lady Victoria Colliery in Newtongrange!

READ MORE

Linlithgow Museum

Linlithgow Partnership Centre 93 High Street , Linlithgow EH49 7EZ

A free museum, perfect for locals and visitors alike. Find out about our Royal connections, the trades of the town, the ordinary - and extra-ordinary! - people.

READ MORE

St Cecilias Hall: Concert Room & Music Museum

50 Niddry Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1LG

The beautiful St Cecilia's Hall dates back to 1763 and is also home to the University of Edinburgh's internationally renowned collection of historic musical instruments.

READ MORE

John Knox House

43 - 45 High Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1SR

Dating back to 1470 John Knox House is one of Scotland's greatest cultural treasures and is associated with the most dramatic events in Scotland's turbulent history!

READ MORE

Museum of Edinburgh

142 Canongate Royal Mile, High Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH8 8DD

No day out on the Royal Mile is complete without a visit to the Museum of Edinburgh, where the City’s past is brought vividly to life.

READ MORE

National Museum of Flight Scotland

National Museum of Flight Scotland East Fortune Airfield, EH39 5LF

Head off on a journey of discovery at this former airfield as you explore the history of aviation from the First World War to the present day

READ MORE

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery High Street, Dunbar EH42 1ER

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery: the Town House has been the focus of town life since the 16th century.

READ MORE

Prestongrange Museum

Prestongrange Museum Morrisons Haven, Prestonpans EH32 9RX

Prestongrange is a free open-air museum, that tells 700 years of industrial heritage history. Family friendly, with lots to see and do!

READ MORE

National Museum of Scotland

National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1JF

Connecting Scotland to the world and the world to Scotland.

READ MORE
All Museums listings in Edinburgh

Sponsored Links

Murrayfield Experience
Hilton Glasgow
Children's Classic Concerts
Renfrewshire Council
Headline PR
TGC Leisure
Wonder & Co
Hilton Glasgow
Escape The Past
Edinburgh Street Historians
Murrayfield Experience
Fayre Play
Murrayfield Experience
Hostelworld

Sponsored Links

Murrayfield Experience
Hilton Glasgow
Children's Classic Concerts
Renfrewshire Council
Headline PR
TGC Leisure
Wonder & Co
Hilton Glasgow
Escape The Past
Edinburgh Street Historians
Murrayfield Experience
Fayre Play
Murrayfield Experience
Hostelworld

Popular Events

Conifox Terror Scream Park
Terror Scream Park, Edinburgh’s most intense 18+ horror event, launches for the very first time this autumn at Conifox Adventure Park.
Edinburgh Summer Sessions: The Cure
The Cure, one of the most influential and iconic bands of all time, have announced they will headline a show at Edinburgh Summer Sessions on Sunday 23rd August!
War Horse
The National Theatre’s global smash-hit production of War Horse returns to the Festival Theatre in October 2025!
Halloween Happenings at Dalkeith Country Park
Join us this October for spook-tacular Halloween Happenings at Dalkeith Country Park!
Dusherra 2025
Dusherra, the flagship annual event of the Scottish Indian Arts Forum, returns on Saturday 4th October at the top of Calton Hill.

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall