The Scott Monument will be free to climb for a select number of visitors this month to mark its 180th anniversary.
The City of Edinburgh Council is providing 12 free tickets each day from 10-17 August to ascend the monument on Princes Street.
Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and those who climb the 221 steps to the upper platform will receive a commemorative certificate.
Completed in 1844 and opened to the public in 1846, the 200-foot Victorian Gothic structure was built in memory of famed novelist Sir Walter Scott, who died in 1832.
The structure was crafted using Binny sandstone from quarries in West Lothian, and is decorated with 68 unique statues.
These figures predominantly depict characters from Scott’s novels, alongside other Scottish literary figures such as Lord Byron and Mary, Queen of Scots.
Architect George Meikle Kemp designed the structure following a competition in 1838, drawing inspiration from medieval architecture such as Melrose Abbey and Rosslyn Chapel.
Before entering the competition, Kemp had worked as a carpenter, joiner, and millwright, making his victory over established architects unusual.
The foundation stone for the monument was laid in August 1840, but Kemp died before the construction was completed. He tragically drowned in the Union Canal in March 1844 after falling into the water on a dark, foggy night while walking home from a meeting.
Following Kemp’s death, the building work was supervised until its conclusion by his brother-in-law, William Bonnar.
At the base of the monument sits a statue of Sir Walter Scott and his dog, Maida. The statue was sculpted from Carrara marble by Sir John Steell and sits overlooking Princes Street Gardens.
Sir Walter Scott was a central figure in promoting Scotland’s history and culture, with his work on the popular Waverley novels influencing the naming of the nearby Edinburgh Waverley train station.
Visitors who ascend the narrow spiral staircases encounter four separate viewing galleries before reaching the summit, which offers panoramic views across the city.
Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “The Scott Monument is one of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks and a much-loved part of our city’s heritage.
“I’m delighted to be celebrating its 180th anniversary by giving more people the chance to experience the monument, whether that’s climbing to enjoy its spectacular views or learning more about the life and legacy of Sir Walter Scott.
“We hope residents and visitors alike will join us in marking this special milestone.”
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