Scott Monument
On Gingerguide's self-guided Edinburgh audio tour, Scott Monument is a stop worth about ~45 min. Stand in front of it, press play for a short narrated story, and put any follow-up question to the built-in AI guide.
- Type monument
- Suggested visit ~45 min
- Edinburgh Edinburgh guide
About Scott Monument
The largest monument to a writer in the world, a 61-metre Gothic spire honouring Sir Walter Scott.
The Scott Monument is a Victorian Gothic monument to the Scottish author Sir Walter Scott, one of the most celebrated literary figures in history. At 61.1 metres, it is the largest monument to a writer anywhere in the world. Completed in 1844, the monument features 64 statuettes of characters from Scott's novels and a large marble statue of Scott himself with his favourite deerhound, Maida. Visitors can climb 287 steps to the top for spectacular views of Edinburgh.
Did you know? The architect George Meikle Kemp drowned in the Union Canal before the monument was finished and never saw his completed masterpiece.
How much time do you need at Scott Monument?
Around ~45 min works well for Scott Monument — time to look properly and listen to its story on the spot. Linger if you like; nothing on a self-guided walk is on a clock.
Should you stop at Scott Monument?
Yes — Scott Monument made the cut as one of 26 places the Gingerguide team researched and narrated across Edinburgh. The story tells you why it is worth the stop, and the AI guide fills in anything you still wonder.
Nearby stops in Edinburgh
Hear the story of Scott Monument
Preview the Edinburgh tour free in the Gingerguide app.