Sir Walter Scott is one of my favourite historical novelists (like Jane Austen, but not like Jane Austen…). He is one of those authors that I count myself lucky to be introduced to at a younger age so that I have had more time to enjoy his work. His Romantic novels like Waverley, Ivanhoe, and Rob Roy are still considered some of the greatest Scottish novels, 200 years later. So, it is unsurprising that he is publicly celebrated in Edinburgh (and elsewhere in Scotland). Today I’m going to explore one of my favourite places in Edinburgh, the Scott Monument!
Who Is Sir Walter Scott?
Sir Walter Scott is was a Scottish Romantic novelist and poet. (Romantic meaning part of the Romantic movement emphasising focusing the beauty of nature, emotion over logic, and a serious focus on the hero.) I don’t think you will be surprised to learn that Scott was an historian, which played a large role in his historical novels! If you haven’t read any Scott novels, I would recommend starting with Ivanhoe.
The Scott Monument in Edinburgh
The monument was proposed after the author’s death in 1832. It is in Princes Street Gardens, close to the Edinburgh Waverley Train Station (appropriately), and is just over 200 feet tall. (You will see it from a lot of places in Edinburgh.) What I love about the Scott Monument is that it features over 60 different statutes of the author (and his dog), historical figures, and characters from his books. Mary, Queen of Scots finds herself on the monument, along with King Charles I, Scottish humanist George Buchanan, and that hater-of-women, John Knox.
If you are so interested, you can climb the almost-300 steps to the top of the monument. There are four different viewing platforms for some spectacular views of the city!
Have you visited the Scott Monument in Edinburgh?
Cheers,
The Historian
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