Standing opposite Edinburgh’s famous Jenners department store and looking out across to Princes Street Gardens, visitors to Edinburgh cannot fail to miss the impressive Victorian designed Scott Monument located at the top of the Gardens.  Visitors to the monument can climb the 287 steps, (yes we counted) to the top and enjoy clear views across Edinburgh and beyond. Open from April through to September the Scott Monument is a popular tourist attraction.

A notable part of Edinburgh city’s famous skyline, The Scott Monument, stands in memory of one of Scotland’s most notable writers, Sir Walter Scott. The 61.11 metre Victorian Gothic design is the largest monument to a writer in the world and it began creation in 1840.

Confusion has often surrounded the monument as to it’s ‘dirty’ appearance and it has received mixed reviews from visitors.  Indeed its 1990′s refurbishment was halted for this reason.  It was intended to undergo a full clean up but arguments were considered that the sandstone used in design, Binny Sandstone, is thought to have been chosen as it attracts dirt quickly to give the monument an ‘aged’ effect. In Victorian Britain this was a common design feature, though perhaps the smoke and soot from industrious Britain was not overly considered at the time.

Self taught architect George Meikle Kemp was appointed to construct the monument and Aberdeen born sculptor John Steell was commissioned for the design of the marble statue of Sir Walter Scott. John Steell’s works are dotted around Edinburgh. Visitors to the city can enjoy his further works including The Duke of Wellington, known locally as ‘The Iron Duke’ opposite the Balmoral Hotel, the Artist Allan Ramsey on The Mound and The Prince Consort in Charlotte Square. John Steell was appointed Sculptor to Queen Victoria in 1898. and shortly after the unveiling of his statue of Queen Victoria’s beloved Prince Albert, he received a knighthood.

Full details of the Scott Monument can be found here on the The City of Edinburgh’s website and with thanks to www.australiaphotos.co.uk

House fronts on Charlotte Square, Edinburgh

The square is less travelled for those who aren’t used to Edinburgh’s busy streets, and not exactly a tourist draw, although its beautiful architecture and easy access to Queensferry Road and the surrounding areas (including some of Edinburgh’s most well-regarded modern art museums as well as the path along the Water of Leith) make Charlotte Square one of Edinburgh’s hidden gems.

[image credit: David Farrer]

A Quiet Corner Of Edinburgh

The streets along Charlotte Square are easy to navigate, and are a frequent sight for most Edinburgh Drivers, who will use Charlotte Square primarily as a way to bypass Princes and George Street on their way across town from Leith Walk. Exiting along South Charlotte Street provides access to Shandwick Place, Lothian Road, Queensferry Road and more, which opens up the entire west of Edinburgh’s suburbs to those with car access.

Charlotte Square would not play a huge role in Edinburgh’s many literary and bus sightseeing tours if it wasn’t for the Edinburgh Book Festival which is held annually in Charlotte Square Gardens.

Edinburgh's Charlotte Square Gardens with the majestic Prince Albert Memorial.

[image credit: buhny]

The tiny square offers much in the way of peace and quiet to those who venture there. Exiting the square in any direction enables one to explore some of Edinburgh’s less-travelled streets, including the neighbourhoods north of the city centre such as Stockbridge and Queensferry.

A number of high-end hotels and a few restaurants are located in Charlotte Square, although they are more the sort of low-profile bed and breakfast variety than the showy Caledonian and other Princes Street mainstays.

Regal Charlotte Square town houses lit up at night

[image credit: byronv2]

The square itself is viewed most often from the window of a car passing through, and unless one has particular business at one of the addresses that line its gates, it’s unlikely to be a major attraction for anyone visiting Edinburgh or spending time in the area. Charlotte Square is a beautiful addition to Edinburgh’s streets and parks, particularly in its architecture, but awaits investment and attention before it becomes a go-to destination for tourists or locals.