Earl of Hopetoun Statue at St Andrew Square, Edinburgh
A distinguished bronze statue honoring John Hope, 4th Earl of Hopetoun, set amidst the elegant Georgian surroundings of Edinburgh’s St Andrew Square.
The Earl of Hopetoun Statue, located in the heart of Edinburgh’s St Andrew Square, is a striking bronze tribute to John Hope, the 4th Earl of Hopetoun. Depicted as a Roman consul clad in a toga and accompanied by a horse, the statue commemorates a prominent Scottish politician and British Army general. Positioned in front of Dundas House, the statue enriches the historic and elegant atmosphere of this Georgian square.
A brief summary to Earl of Hopetoun Statue
- 35 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH2 2AD, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to appreciate the statue’s detailed neoclassical features and the surrounding Georgian architecture.
- Combine your visit with a stroll around St Andrew Square’s gardens and nearby landmarks like the Melville Monument and Dundas House.
- Bring a camera to capture the statue’s striking pose and the elegant urban landscape of Edinburgh’s New Town.
- Enjoy a coffee or meal at one of the cafés lining St Andrew Square to soak in the local atmosphere after viewing the statue.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take Lothian Buses routes 3, 27, or 34 from central Edinburgh locations to stops near St Andrew Square. Journey times range from 10 to 20 minutes depending on departure point. Buses run frequently throughout the day. Tickets cost approximately £1.80 to £2.50.
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Tram
Use the Edinburgh Trams service to St Andrew Square tram stop, located adjacent to the square. Trams run every 7–10 minutes with a travel time of about 25 minutes from Edinburgh Airport. A single ticket costs around £6.
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Walking
From Princes Street, it is a 10–15 minute walk along George Street and Queen Street Gardens to St Andrew Square. The route is paved and accessible, suitable for most visitors.
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Taxi
Taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available in Edinburgh city center. Travel time to St Andrew Square from central locations is typically under 10 minutes, with fares starting around £5 depending on traffic.
Earl of Hopetoun Statue location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Earl of Hopetoun Statue
A Tribute to a Scottish Statesman
The Earl of Hopetoun Statue honors John Hope, the 4th Earl of Hopetoun, a notable figure in Scottish political and military history. This bronze statue, commissioned in 1824 and sculpted by Thomas Campbell, portrays Hope in the classical guise of a Roman consul, wearing a toga and standing beside a horse. The statue symbolizes his stature and influence during his lifetime, including his role as Captain General of the Royal Company of Archers, the Sovereign’s bodyguard in Scotland.Placement within Edinburgh’s New Town
Situated prominently in St Andrew Square, the statue stands before Dundas House, the former Royal Bank of Scotland headquarters, linking the monument to the financial and social history of Edinburgh’s New Town. St Andrew Square itself is a key element of James Craig’s 18th-century urban plan, celebrated for its Georgian architecture and elegant public gardens. The square has evolved from a fashionable residential area to a vibrant commercial and cultural hub.Artistic and Historical Context
The statue’s classical style reflects the 19th-century neoclassical tastes prevalent in Edinburgh’s New Town. Its sculptor, Thomas Campbell, was a prominent Scottish artist of the period. The statue was originally placed elsewhere before being relocated to St Andrew Square in 1834, enhancing the square’s collection of monuments that celebrate Scotland’s influential figures. It complements other landmarks nearby, such as the Melville Monument and Dundas House.The Legacy of the Hopetoun Family
The Hope family has deep roots in Scottish history, with Hopetoun House serving as their ancestral seat for over 300 years. The 4th Earl’s legacy extends beyond this statue, including his contributions to military leadership and civic service. The family remains prominent, with ongoing ties to Scottish heritage and ceremonial traditions.St Andrew Square’s Role in Edinburgh Today
Today, St Andrew Square is a bustling center of commerce, culture, and leisure in Edinburgh’s New Town. The statue adds historical depth to the square’s tranquil gardens and neoclassical surroundings. Visitors can appreciate the blend of history and modern urban life, with the statue serving as a focal point that connects the past with the present.Visiting the Statue and Surroundings
The statue is accessible year-round in the public gardens of St Andrew Square. The square offers a peaceful retreat amidst the city’s energy, with nearby cafés, shops, and architectural highlights. The statue’s location provides a rich context for understanding Edinburgh’s political history and artistic heritage through a neoclassical lens.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
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- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
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For the architecture buff
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
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For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
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For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
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For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
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Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
