National Monument of Scotland — Attraction in City of Edinburgh

As early as 1816, the Highland Society of Scotland called for the construction of a national monument to commemorate the fallen in the Napoleonic Wars.1] Initially The Mound was considered as a site, but was rejected in favour of Calton Hill.[6]

In January 1822, a proposal was put forward to 'erect a facsimile of the Parthenon' at a cost of some £42,000. The appeal found support amongst many prominent Edinburgh residents such as Sir Walter Scott, Henry, Lord Cockburn and Francis, Lord Jeffrey.[7] The leading man behind the campaign to model the new momument specifically on the Athenian Parthenon was Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin, who had controversially removed many of the temple's scultures (now known as the Elgin Marbles) a decade earlier and brought them to Britain.[8] In July 1822 the Royal Association of Contributors to the National Monument of Scotland was incorporated by an Act of Parliament. The foundation stone was laid, amid great pomp and ceremony, the following month.[9]

Drawing of the front elevation of the Western Portico of the National Monument of Scotland, by William Henry Playfair, dated 1826 Sixteen months after the initial appeal, only £16,000 had been found with the possibility of a £10,000 grant from Parliament. In 1826, the building was finally commissioned and work began.[7] The builder contracted to execute the work was Messrs William Wallace & Son.[3]

Originally, the building was planned to have extensive catacombs in the area supporting the main structure, to provide a burial place for significant figures,[7 intended as a "Scottish Valhalla".[2] A minute of the Royal Association in 1826 stated that the building was:

to adopt the Temple of Minerva or Parthenon of Athens, as the model of the Monument, and to restore to the civilised world that celebrated and justly admired edifice, without any deviation whatever, excepting the adaptation of the sculpture to the events and achievements of the Scottish Heroes, whose prowess and glory it is destined to commemorate and perpetuate, and part of which monument or building must, in terms of the said Act, be appropriated as a church or place of Divine worship, to be maintained in all time coming by the said Association[3] Laying of the foundation stone Edit The foundation stone, which weighs 6 tons, was laid on 27 August 1822, during the visit of George IV to Scotland.

The Duke of Hamilton (the most senior non-royal Scottish noble and the Grand Master of Scotland) led a procession of masonic lodges, royal commissioners and other dignitaries from Parliament Square to the top of Calton Hill. The procession was escorted by the Scots Greys and the 3rd Dragoons.

The deposition of the inscription plates in the stone was accompanied by cannon salutes from Edinburgh Castle, Salisbury Crags, Leith Fort and the royal squadron on Leith Roads.[2]

360° view of the Calton Hill as seen from the National Monument, Edinburgh. Nelson's Monument is also visible in between columns in the centre. To the right side are views of Firth of Forth. To the left rise Arthur's Seat, Salisbury Crags and...

The National Monument of Scotland stands majestically atop Calton Hill in Edinburgh, a prominent feature of the city's skyline. Conceived as a grand memorial to Scottish soldiers and sailors who perished during the Napoleonic Wars, its foundation stone was laid in 1822.

Designed by architects Charles Robert Cockerell and William Henry Playfair, the monument was intended to be a faithful replica of the Parthenon in Athens, symbolizing Edinburgh's aspirations as the "Athens of the North." The ambitious plans included extensive catacombs beneath for the burial of national heroes, envisioning a "Scottish Valhalla."

Construction began in 1826, with the aim of creating a monumental tribute of exceptional quality. However, the project was plagued by financial difficulties. Despite initial public appeals, only a fraction of the necessary funds were raised.

By 1829, with money running out, construction abruptly ceased, leaving the monument famously unfinished. Only a dozen colossal Doric columns and a partial entablature were completed, giving it its distinctive, incomplete appearance. This unfinished state has led to various nicknames over the centuries, including "Scotland's Disgrace" or "Scotland's Folly." Despite this, it has become an iconic and beloved landmark, adding a unique character to Calton Hill.

While its original purpose as a fully completed monument remains unfulfilled, it now serves as a poignant reminder of past ambitions and a testament to the architectural vision of its time. It is a popular spot for visitors, offering stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh and contributing significantly to the city's UNESCO World Heritage status. Many consider its unfinished state to be part of its charm and...

The National Monument of Scotland, prominently situated atop Calton Hill in Edinburgh, serves as a national memorial honoring the Scottish soldiers and sailors who lost their lives in the conflicts of the Napoleonic Wars. This historical edifice was conceived with a profound purpose, as indicated by its inscription, which states it is meant to be "A Memorial of the Past and Incentive to the Future Heroism of the Men of Scotland."

Overlooking Princes Street, the monument commands a striking presence and is a defining feature of the Edinburgh skyline. Designed between 1823 and 1826 by the notable architects Charles Robert Cockerell and William Henry Playfair, the structure is inspired by the grandeur of the Parthenon in Athens, reflecting classical architectural ideals.

Construction began in 1826; however, financial constraints led to the project being halted in 1829, resulting in an unfinished appearance that has sparked a range of public reactions. This incomplete status has given rise to various nicknames including "Scotland's Folly," "Edinburgh's Disgrace," "the Pride and Poverty of Scotland," and "Edinburgh's Folly." These monikers reflect the duality of pride in the intention behind the monument and a sense of disappointment regarding its unfulfilled grandeur. Today, the National Monument remains a poignant symbol of Scotland's historical sacrifices and an enduring topic of conversation in architectural and cultural...