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.