Burns Monument — Attraction in City of Edinburgh

The Burns Monument in Kay Park, Kilmarnock, Scotland, commemorates the poet Robert Burns(1759-1796). It is located at an elevated position within Kay Park, to the east of Kilmarnock Town Centre. The monument was opened in 1879, and is a category B listed building. In 2004 a fire destroyed part of the monument. The building was restored and extended as a genealogy centre, reopening as the Burns Monument Centre in 2009.

History

Kilmarnock has many links with Burns; the first edition of his work was printed here in 1786, by John Wilson, a local printer. Of this first edition only 612 copies were printed, and copies of this rare book are now known as Kilmarnock Editions. On Burns Night 1877, a movement to erect a memorial in Kilmarnock was begun. Subscriptions came in so quickly that the organisers decided to investigate the possibility of a memorial building as well as a marble statue. In October, a design by local architect Robert S Ingram was accepted by the committee, and he began the preparation of drawings. In December, a design competition for the statue attracted 21 entries, and William Grant Stevenson of Edinburgh was judged the winner. The foundation stone was laid on 14 September 1878, by R. W. Cochran-Patrick of Woodside, Depute Provincial Grand Master for Ayrshire. In August 1879, the 40 acres (16 ha) Kay Park was opened, with the completed Burns Monument as its focus. The statue was officially unveiled by Colonel Charles Alexander of Ballochmyle MP on 9 August.The monument cost around £1,500, with another £800 spent on the statue. The design of the monument has been described as "an eclectic fusion of Scots Baronial, neo-Gothic and Italianate, with a dash of Baroque and a hint of Romanesque."[citation needed] The original building comprised a two-storey T-plan museum, topped by an 80 feet (24 m) high octagonal tower and spire, with the life-size white marble statue of Burns by Stevenson in a porch at the front. The tower offered wide views across Kilmarnock. Ingram, a prolific local architect, considered the monument to be his...

Steeped in the echoes of history, this awe-inspiring attraction stands as a beacon of the past, inviting visitors from far and wide to step into a world where time seems to stand still. Each building, with its distinctive architecture, tells a story of centuries past, offering a unique glimpse into the architectural ingenuity of its creators. The beauty of the surroundings complements the grandeur of the structures, with lush greenery and panoramic vistas that soothe the soul and invigorate the senses. Conveniently located at the crossroads of culture and civilization, this site is easily accessible, making it a must-visit destination for those eager to immerse themselves in the essence of history. The harmony between the exquisite architecture and the stunning natural landscape creates an atmosphere of serene beauty, perfect for those seeking inspiration or a quiet moment of reflection. Here, history is not just remembered; it's experienced. This landmark not only captivates with its beauty and architectural marvels but also enriches the mind with its deep historical...

This monument stands in tribute to, Robert Burns, the 18th century Scottish poet and Scotland's national poet.

In some ways, the monument is sadly out of place situated at the foot of Calton Hill and away from the main residential area. It's a little out of the way to get to the monument, but it's location does give fantastic views over the southern parts of the city below as well as Arthur's seat and Holyrood Park.

As for the monument itself, it's a small circular temple with a Neo-Classical design. The monument itself sits on a roughly square base supporting the colonnade,with a solid circular temple surrounded by Corinthian columns. Atop the temple is a sculpture of three griffons each with a paw touching a central urn.

Worth going to see, just a shame it's...