The Scott Monument: Tribute To Edinburgh’s Literary Heritage

The Scott Monument rises high above the flowers of Princes Street Gardens and the shops of Princes Street, proclaiming this author’s fame for the world to see. Its gothic architecture and foreboding presence make climbing its 100-plus steps a challenge the hardiest of tourists will find hard to resist. There is a price for admission, but compared to attractions like Edinburgh Castle and the numerous tours of the city, it is low. Excellent views of Waverly Valley reward those who manage to complete the climb.

The dizzying view from the top of Edinburgh's Scott Monument

Nestled in the well-tended flowerbeds opposite Waverly Station, the Scott Monument provides a reference point for citizens and tourists as they navigate the Georgian architecture of the Scottish Capital’s “New Town”. Bagpipers play the well-known favourites of Scots musical history, collecting donations from passers-by.

[image credit billynom (Hates Marmite)]

The Scott Monument, Sir Walter Scott And His Writing

The Scott Monument is a tribute to Sir Walter Scott, the author of the novels for which central Edinburgh’s train station is known. One of Edinburgh’s greatest writers, Scott is hailed as one of the top writers in Scottish history. In a city rife with history, having one of the tallest monuments devoted to a writer elevates the art of writing to a level not often seen in other cities. At the base of the monument, a statue of the famed author sits surrounded by the characters from his novels, including Ivanhoe, Rob Roy, and a number of other key works.

The Scott Monument, Edinburgh at night

In winter months, the space around the Scott Monument is surrounded by a traditional German market which offers arts, crafts, spiced wines and a massive Ferris Wheel as amusements for the city’s population. In summer months, beach blankets and towels line the green grass of Princes Street Gardens, which are dotted with those taking advantage of this Northern city’s few sunny days.

Interested in Scotland’s literary history? Explore their passion at a number of sites around the city of Edinburgh. The National Library of Scotland is just a short walk up the Mound, where Scotland’s parliament sat in session for many years. By crossing Princes Street and heads uphill one finds the swanky shops of George Street a mighty temptation.

[image credit notcub]