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Scott Monument, Edinburgh

4.5

#32 of 876 in Things to do in Edinburgh

Monument Landmark

• ©

A dark Gothic spire that towers above the Princes Street Gardens, Scott Monument pays homage to the author Sir Walter Scott. The dark color is not an intended effect, but comes from smoke stains--cleaning the spire would damage the stonework beneath the stains. Pay a fee to climb 287 steps to a viewing platform. The highest platform provides panoramic views over Edinburgh and acts as a counterpoint to Arthur's Seat. To visit Scott Monument on your trip to Edinburgh, use our Edinburgh holiday maker app .

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Scott Monument Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

2,706 reviews

Google

4.6

facebook

5.0

236 likes

• By Andrew081

  One cannot fail to be impressed by the 61m high Victorian Gothic monument to Scottish author Sir Walter Scot (his books included Rob Roy and Ivanhoe) Completed in 1846 the monument, on Princes Street,...  more »

• By SerenKimbo

  Booked a tour as I walked up. Staff were very friendly. There are four areas to view, but only three have been view able to the public (due to the nature of the building and the stairs). To the first ...  more »

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Google

• By Asif Ali

  You can only go up via guided tour now, but it’s still worth it! It’s very beautiful and the guide explains some of the history. We really enjoyed the views of Edinburgh. It is a narrow staircase however, and some in our group found it challenging and did not advance past the first staircase.

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• By Siobhan O'connor

  Loved climbing the stairs to the top. The views across Edinburgh were amazing. Great way to see the city. The staircase to the very top should be avoided if you're claustrophobic.

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