Diagnosed with an aggressive cancer of the right lung on my 58th birthday (14th July) So not really ...
Diagnosed with an aggressive cancer of the right lung on my 58th birthday (14th July) So not really in the humour for writing much at the moment, although I *WILL* be back before too long...Ken
Member since:06.12.2000
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~ ~ If you ever find yourself visiting the ancient old capital of Scotland, Edinburgh, and are looking to get a good oversight of the whole city, then you might like to visit this historic old monument in Princes Street Gardens, standing literally in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, and climb the 287 steps to the top of its 200 foot high tower.
~ ~ I climbed this many times as a youngster living in Scotland, and again on a recent visit with my wife and little lass, and although the climb will leave you a bit short of breath, the view out over the old city and the adjoining Firth of Forth makes it well worth the effort, and is truly magnificent.
~ ~ This monument was built over 150 years ago, between 1840 – 46, as a permanent memorial to Sir Walter Scott, the famous Scot’s author. It actually caused some controversy at the time, as the city fathers held a competition for the best design, which was won by an astute fellow called George Meikle Kemp. He had no formal qualifications, and actually entered the competition under an assumed name, John Morvo, who was a well-known master mason at Melrose Abbey in the Scottish Borders. His design didn’t even come first in the competition, but after he had altered and embellished it somewhat, he was eventually awarded the contract, much to the dismay of many better-qualified architects in the city.
~ ~ There’s a statue of Scott himself standing below the arches of the monument, that was crafted from fine Carrara marble imported all the way from Italy. This was nearly never erected, as the marble seemingly fell of the ship while being unloaded at the docks, and was submerged under several feet of salt water, but its soaking doesn’t seem to have caused it any permanent harm.
~ ~ The monument itself was built in sandstone from a local quarry, which was probably a bad idea, as the soft stone has not stood the test of time too well, and has corroded quite badly in places over the years, leaving the monument with a sort of dappled effect in places. No doubt the pollution from the time when Edinburgh was nicknamed “Auld Reekie” because of the permanent haze of smoke from coal fires in the city, had much to do with this erosion.
~ ~ It isn’t an expensive attraction, and will only cost you £2.50 per head to visit. On entry, you get a little pamphlet explaining some of the history, and also a sketch outlining your way to the top. (I would have thought that it was fairly obvious, but still) Be warned though. If you are afraid of heights, or suffer from claustrophobia, then this isn’t for you. There are three levels to the tower, and you can stop at each to catch your breath and read some of the historical information posted on the boards on the walls. The stone staircase to the first level is spacious and wide, but once you get past the first level, the stairwells get progressively narrower and smaller. By the time you reach the last stairway to the top, you will be bent nearly double, and it is so narrow that if you meet someone going in the opposite direction you could very easily strike up an intimate relationship. In fact, there is hardly room to pass at certain points. The citizens of old Edinburgh must have been a very small breed of people!!
~ ~ If you have the energy and staying power to get all the way to the “summit”, then you will find yourself perched on a very narrow gallery. But the splendid views out over the skyline of the capital, with the Castle as a backdrop, make it well worth the effort.
~ ~ Kids love this place, by the way, and consider it a great adventure. And don’t worry about them falling off!! The security measures are very good. Watch out for the hundreds of pigeons though, or you might well end up with an unexpected dry cleaning bill. (not nice!!!) Worth a visit, especially if you’re on a family trip.
Pictures of Scott Monument, Edinburgh
Scott Monument
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I havent been to Edinburgh for years, will have to take a trip back their sometime and will remember to visit this place
COOOEEE 04.10.2003 13:22
I remember going there quite a few times as a child. We used to be given a certificate to say we had climbed all of the steps. I wonder if they still give out certificates?Fionaxx
Aspen 03.05.2001 02:13
As one who gets vertigo standing on the kerb waiting to cross the road, I'm going to have to psyche myself up to do this. Erm . . or maybe I'll just visualise it all from your op!
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