Calton Hill Photography & History Tour, Edinburgh, Scotland

Before visiting Calton Hill, David will show you one of Edinburgh's most atmospheric & historic cemeteries - Old Calton Burial Ground. The final resting place of many famous Scots, David will show you some fascinating graves, including an Edinburgh Perfumer and a lady who's leg was buried 20 years before her! We'll also see the striking Martyrs' Monument, The statue of Abraham Lincoln and the Old Governors House of Old Calton Jail. David will show you some of his favourite views of Old Calton Hill, including Rock House, the old photographic studio of 'Hill & Adamson', the early Edinburgh photographers who pioneered the art of photography. Before leaving, we'll visit a secret part of the cemetery, very rarely visited by locals or visitors.

Completed in 1815, this intriguing tower (that looks like a telescope) was designed by Robert Burn to commemorate the Napoleonic Wars. We'll learn about the connections it has with the firing of the 1 O'clock Gun at Edinburgh Castle, and its original purpose, to provide a home for disabled seamen. David will also show you some spectacular views (& photography spots) of Princes Street and The Edinburgh Old Town, all the way to the Pentland Hills, with lots of helpful tips.

Started in 1826 and modelled on the Parthenon in Athens, the National Monument is one of Edinburgh's most striking monuments, built to commemorate Scots who died in the Napoleonic Wars. David will explain why it's often referred to as 'Edinburgh's Disgrace' and show you all the best angles for taking photos.

Built in 1832 by architect William Playfair, this grand Doric temple celebrates Dugald Stewart, who was a much admired Professor of Moral Philosophy at Edinburgh University. David will show you great views of the city and give you some top tips on getting the best possible photos.

David will tell you about the history of Old Observatory House and help you to take photos of some of the best views of the city, all the way to the Forth Estuary and Fife. David will give you lots of tips on exposure & composition.

We'll visit the Collective contemporary art space located in the old observatory building and admire its lovely garden and incredible views.

David will give you lots of tips on photographing architecture at this classical monument, built in memory of the esteemed mathematician, John Playfair.

David will tell you all about the interesting history of the Portuguese Cannon, located on top of the hill, and show you one of the city's best photos using the cannon.

A small cairn built by the keepers of the Vigil for the Scottish Parliament. David will explain a little about the Scottish Referendum for establishing a new Scottish Parliament and its history since. We'll also take some great photos of Arthur's Seat.

We'll visit the impressive Burns Monument at the foot of Calton Hill next to the magnificent Old Royal High School. The monument is a circular, Neo-Greek style temple celebrating Scotland's national bard (poet), Robert Burns.

A fascinating and beautiful burial ground, close to Calton Hill, David will show you the atmospheric Watch Tower, which was used by families to watch out for 'resurrectionists' and grave-robbing. We'll also visit some of the finer mausoleums & graves including that of the family of the Edinburgh writer, Robert Louis Stevenson. There are also wonderful views of Arthur's Seat and the Scottish Parliament from the burial ground. If time allows, we'll also visit the Physic Garden at Palace of Holyroodhouse.