Top 10 Interesting Facts about Scott Monument

The Scott Monument, Edinburgh By Farwestern Photo by Gregg M. Erickson- Wikimedia Commons

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Scott Monument

On the edge of busy Princes Street stands the striking monument to one of Scotland’s best-loved writers, Sir Walter Scott. Scott Monument is the largest memorial presented to a writer in the world.  This is a testament to just how popular and adored Scott was.

Due to its sheer size, the monument has become an amazing mark in the history of Edinburgh. This article takes a closer look at a couple interesting facts about the Scott Monument, designed in honor of one of the most famous Scottish men.

1. It’s located in a public park 

The Scott monument is situated in the Princes Street Gardens which are two adjoining public parks in the heart of Edinburgh. The beautiful monument faces the famous Jenners Department store established in 1838 on Princes Street.

In addition to its amazing location, the Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station was named after one of Scott’s novels.

2. Its observation deck offers stunning views of the city

The stunning monument features spiral staircases that allow visitors to travel to the top of the monument.

It consist up to 287 steps to reach the observation deck on the top floor. This section allows you to get some of the most amazing views of Edinburgh and its surroundings.

3. It has a gothic designed

The Scott Monument in central Edinburgh By Nilfanion – Wikimedia Commons

Because of its distinctive appearance, it is sometimes referred to as the “Gothic Rocket.” The monument was designed in the Victorian Gothic (Gothic Revival) architectural style. 

Shortly after Scott’s death in 1832, planning to build a monument began by finding an architect through an architectural competition. One design signed with the name “John Morrow” stood out to the judges. 

The entrant was identified as George Meikle Kemp who was a self-taught architect. He feared that his entry would be disqualified because of his lack of credentials however, he was awarded the contract to build the monument in 1838.

4. The architect never saw its completion

The Scott Monument, Edinburgh By No machine-readable author provided – Wikimedia Commons

The Scott Monument’s designer, George Meikle Kemp never saw it completed. 6 months before the structure was finished George drowned in the Union Canal while walking home from the construction site on a foggy night.

Furthermore, this unfortunate occurrence meant he wasn’t present during the official inauguration which took place on August 15, 1846, exactly 6 years after construction started.

5. Its purpose is to commemorate Sir. Walter Scott

Statue of Sir Walter Scott By Stefan Schäfer, Lich – Wikimedia Commons

The Scott Monument is a monumental landmark that was constructed  after the death of Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832). He was a famous Scottish author and historian. His works include multiple evergreen classics such as:

• The Lady of the Lake
• Waverley
• Rob Roy
• The Heart of Mid-Lothian
• The Bride of Lammermoor
• Old Mortality (or The Tale of Old Mortality)
• Ivanhoe

His extensive knowledge on history and shined and helped him write engaging novels in an accurate historical setting. In addition to his successful writing career, he was also an advocate, judge, and legal administrator, mainly as Clerk of Session.

6. The stones of the monument will never be cleaned

The Scott Monument By Gyula Péter, – Wikimedia Commons

Most of the buildings built before and during the Industrial Revolution have become victim to  pollution. This is what happened to the Binny sandstones that built the Scott Monument.

In the early 1990s it was debated whether or not the monument could be cleaned and returned to its former glory. Unfortunately, it was impossible as it would damage the structure.

Only the damaged stones were replaced with The Binny sandstone quarry being reopened for this purpose. The total renovation project cost £2.36 million. 

7.  It’s one of the tallest monuments of its kind

There’s only one monument dedicated to a writer in the world that is taller than thee Scott monument. The monument stands exactly 61.11 meters (200 feet 6 inches) tall. The structure also boasts  a much nicer design, that’s for sure.

8. It took over 4 years to build the landmark 

Construction of this massive structure started on August 15, 1840.  Moreover, it would eventually take up to 6 years to be completed. 

The total price to build the monument ended up being a staggering  £16,154, which is the equivalent of exactly £2,098,930.97 today. 

9. 68 statues adorn it

The statue of Sir Walter Scott isn’t the only statue that decorates the monument. There are a total of 68 statues that are positioned on the monument.

All of these statues depict characters in Scott’s most famous novels and were created by many of the most renowned sculptors at the time.

The lower sections also feature reliefs of 16 Scottish poets and writers. 64 statues are visible from the ground, the 4 on top of the monument can only be seen from the observation deck above.

10. The monument features a statue of Sir Walter Scott and his dog

Sir Walter Scott. John Steell’s statue By Ad Meskens – Wikimedia Commons

Right in the center of the monument on its pedestal, there’s a statue depicting Sir Walter Scott and his dog Maida. The author is depicted writing one of his novels with Maida resting on him.

This statue was created by one of the most renowned Scottish sculptors in history, Sir John Robert Steell. He was known to have sculpted statues of many famous people in Scottish history. It was created between 1840 and 1846 from one 30 tones block of white Carrara marble.

The beautiful Scott monument truly represents the impact that Sir Walter Scott had through his books and contribution to society. A true gem at the center of Edinburgh that not only bring beauty but history to the city. I hope trough this list you learn more about it.