Burns Monument
Edinburgh's classical tribute to Scotland's national poet, a Neo-Greek temple with commanding city views.
A striking Neo-Greek circular temple perched on Regent Road in Edinburgh, this 21-metre monument honours Scotland's national poet Robert Burns. Designed by architect Thomas Hamilton and completed in 1831, the structure features twelve columns representing the muses of Greek mythology. Though the interior is not regularly open to the public, the monument's elegant exterior and commanding position overlooking Calton Hill make it an iconic landmark in Edinburgh's skyline. The surrounding area offers spectacular views across the city.
A brief summary to Burns Monument
- 1759 Regent Rd, Edinburgh, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early morning to capture the monument with soft light and minimal crowds, especially if you plan to photograph it against Edinburgh's skyline.
- Combine your visit with exploration of nearby Calton Hill monuments and the City Observatory, which now houses Collective, a free contemporary art space.
- If you wish to see the original marble statue of Burns that once stood inside the monument, visit the Scottish National Portrait Gallery on Queen Street.
- The monument offers excellent vantage points for panoramic photographs of Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street, and Arthur's Seat.
- Check for special events or performances by the Edinburgh and District Burns Clubs Association, which regularly gathers at the monument.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve Calton Hill and Regent Road. Services 7, 14, and 42 run along Princes Street and connect to the eastern side of the city; journey time from the city centre is approximately 5–10 minutes. Buses run frequently throughout the day, with reduced service in the evening. No fare is required if you hold a valid Lothian Buses day ticket or travel card.
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Walking
From Edinburgh Waverley Station, the monument is accessible via a 15–20 minute walk. Head east along Princes Street, then turn onto Regent Road. The route is mostly flat with some gentle inclines as you approach Calton Hill. The final approach involves a slight uphill section on Regent Road, which is manageable for most fitness levels but may be challenging for those with mobility restrictions.
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Taxi or Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber, Bolt) are readily available throughout Edinburgh. Journey time from the city centre to Regent Road is typically 5–10 minutes depending on traffic. Fares range from £6–12 for short journeys within the city. Drop-off points are available on Regent Road near the monument.
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Cycling
Edinburgh has an expanding cycle network. The monument is accessible via Regent Road, which has some dedicated cycle lanes in sections. Journey time from the city centre is approximately 10–15 minutes. Bike parking is available in the surrounding area, though dedicated facilities are limited on Regent Road itself.
Burns Monument location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
Discover more about Burns Monument
A Temple to Scotland's Greatest Poet
The Burns Monument stands as one of Edinburgh's most distinctive architectural tributes, a circular Neo-Greek temple dedicated to Robert Burns, Scotland's national bard who lived from 1759 to 1796. Perched on Regent Road at the southern foot of Calton Hill, this 21-metre-high structure commands attention with its elegant proportions and classical design. The monument was conceived as a lasting memorial to Burns's profound influence on Scottish culture and literature, initiated by expatriate admirers of the poet who first proposed the idea in 1812.Architectural Mastery and Design
Thomas Hamilton, the visionary architect responsible for the monument, had already proven his skill by designing the Burns Monument at Alloway in 1820 and the nearby Royal High School in Edinburgh. For the Edinburgh monument, Hamilton created a masterpiece of classical architecture: a central drum structure called a 'cella' surrounded by twelve columns forming a 'peristyle', each column representing one of the muses from Greek mythology. The structure was built from Ravelston sandstone and crowned with an intricate domed roof adorned with detailed stone carvings and winged lion sculptures. The foundation stone was laid on 8 September 1831, and the monument was completed shortly thereafter. Remarkably, Hamilton declined payment for his design work, contributing his talent freely to honour the poet.Historical Significance and Restoration
The monument originally housed a white marble statue of Burns, designed by the renowned sculptor John Flaxman in 1824. However, soot from the gasworks below gradually damaged the marble, and it was eventually relocated to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery on Queen Street, where it remains today. The City of Edinburgh assumed ownership of the monument in 1839 and has maintained it ever since. Following extensive restoration work, the monument was ceremonially reopened on 6 September 2009, restoring it to its former glory. The surrounding landscape was carefully planted with laurels, hollies, and Ayrshire roses, donated by local craftspeople who contributed to the monument's aesthetic appeal.Views and Surrounding Context
The Burns Monument's location on Calton Hill places it within one of Edinburgh's most historically significant areas, marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From this vantage point, visitors can observe sweeping views across the city, including Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street, and Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park. The monument stands near other iconic structures including the National Monument, the Dugald Stewart Monument, Nelson's Monument, and the Old Royal High School. The nearby Canongate graveyard holds the final resting place of Agnes MacLehose, Burns's close friend and correspondent known as 'Clarinda' in his letters and poems, adding another layer of literary significance to the location.Contemporary Use and Access
While the monument's interior is not regularly open to the general public, its striking exterior remains visible from Regent Road and the surrounding streets, making it an essential stop for Burns enthusiasts and architecture lovers. The Edinburgh and District Burns Clubs Association continues to meet at the monument, maintaining its role as a gathering place for those who celebrate the poet's legacy. In 2021, the monument served as the setting for Emeka Ogboh's audio installation 'Song of the Union', part of the Edinburgh Art Festival, demonstrating its continued relevance as a cultural landmark. The monument's Neo-Greek design and prominent position on Calton Hill ensure it remains one of Edinburgh's most photographed and recognisable monuments.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Burns Monument
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Essential places to dine
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Taisteal
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Skyline
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
