Scott Monument

The Scott Monument is the largest monument to a writer in the world. It commemorates Sir Walter Scott.

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. 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.