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7 monumental figures to discover in Edinburgh
Get up close and personal with statues of some of the most famous fictional and historical names, right here in the Scottish capital
It’s an exciting time for Edinburgh residents. In just a few short months, the city has earned itself various accolades, including being the place to live and work in the UK, being named the top UK city for economic growth, having the fastest growing property sales in the UK, making the top 10 in the Good Growth for Cities Index and leading the way in sustainability.
With so much happening in Edinburgh right now, it’s easy to forget about the wonders of its past. However, Edinburgh’s history is what makes it so special.
The Scottish capital has endless stories to tell, and a huge part of its charm comes from the creativity and history it exudes at every turn and on every corner. The city has played a role in many of Scotland’s most iconic works of literature, and this is something you can enjoy when you walk the city’s cobbled streets. See if you can hunt down all 7 of these Edinburgh literary monuments for yourself.
Sir Walter Scott
Sir Walter Scott’s Edinburgh monument is the easiest to find in the city – in fact, it’s hard to miss. Located right in the heart of Princes Street, the Scott Monument is the world’s largest statue dedicated to a writer. There are 287 steps up to the statue, where Sir Walter sits looking out over the New Town.
Robert Burns
Rabbie Burns is one of Scotland’s most famous and profound poets, so it’s no surprise that his likeness can be found in the capital. In fact, Burns’ statue was first erected back in 1812 on Regent Road. Since then it has been moved to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
Robert Louis Stevenson
The author of Treasure Island had explicitly stated that he did not want a statue in his likeness to be made. However, in 2013 a statue was unveiled which showed Stevenson as a young boy. In one hand he holds a book, while he pets a Skye Terrier with the other. Unveiled by Ian Rankin, this is one of the most recent literary statues to grace Edinburgh’s streets.
Sherlock Holmes
To celebrate Edinburgh as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s birthplace, a statue of one of his most enduring characters was erected in 1991. The monument shows Holmes at his best, with his deerstalker and pipe. The famous detective was moved in 2009 and, in a quintessentially mysterious twist, was discovered to be concealing a time capsule. He can now be found back at Picardy Place.
Allan Ramsay
As a playwright, wig-maker, poet and publisher, Ramsay is often considered to be responsible for reviving Scots vernacular in verse. He is also responsible for opening Britain’s first every circulating library on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. The monumental tribute to Ramsay’s life and times can be found standing proudly on Princes Street.
Robert Fergusson
Despite dying at the tragically young age of 24, Fergusson managed to leave behind a legacy of lyrical poetry that touched the hearts of many, even inspiring the likes of Robert Burns. A touchingly whimsical monument to Fergusson can be spotted striding down the road outside Canongate Kirk where he is buried.
Greyfriars Bobby
What Bobby lacks in size he makes up for in heart. The story of this little Skye Terrier captures the imagination of everyone who hears it, and it has even inspired countless films and books. The tale goes that when Bobby’s master John died, the Terrier spent 14 years sitting by his graveside in Greyfriar’s Kirkyard refusing to move. He even has a headstone next to his master which reads “Let His Loyalty & Devotion Be A Lesson To Us All”. The adorable statue of Bobby can be found outside the Kirkyard on George IV Bridge, and is one of the city’s most popular selfie spots.
When you make Edinburgh your home, you can discover everything this fascinating city has to offer for yourself. Craighouse is the latest collection of luxury properties from Qmile Developments, located in tranquil Morningside. Discover more about Craighouse by clicking here, or by calling the team today on 0845 000 25 25.