The Gothic Scott Monument rising above Princes Street Gardens in central Edinburgh.

Scott Monument

Landmark

Scott Monument is a Gothic monument located in Princes Street Gardens in central Edinburgh, Scotland. The structure rises above the surrounding parkland at the base of the city’s historic Old Town. The composition resolves through the vertical monument structure framed by the surrounding gardens and the skyline of Edinburgh.

55.95236, -3.19326

See what's nearby on the map

Gallery

The Scott Monument rising above Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh.

Sunset view over Edinburgh with Edinburgh Castle, the Balmoral Hotel and the Sco…

Sunset view along Princes Street with the Scott Monument and Edinburgh Castle.

Gothic stone carvings and statues on the Scott Monument in Edinburgh.

Statue of Sir Walter Scott beneath the Scott Monument in Princes Street Gardens,…

Quick Facts

Access

Roadside / Step-out

0–5 min

Elevation Gain

5 m

Best Light

Morning

Golden Hour

Blue Hour

Light works best when the sun is low because angled light defines the Gothic stone structure and creates depth between the monument and surrounding skyline.

Why This Light

Low-Angle Relief

Season

Year-Round Stable

The monument structure remains consistent throughout the year. Seasonal foliage in Princes Street Gardens changes the framing of the monument and surrounding skyline.

Crowds

Often Busy

Photography Notes

Work from positions in Princes Street Gardens where the monument rises above the surrounding trees and skyline. Changing position along the gardens alters how the monument aligns with the Old Town buildings behind it.

← Back to Edinburgh View workshops in Edinburgh