Great Scott: Abseilers spotted cleaning Edinburgh's iconic monument

A head for heights is definitely required for this job

One of Edinburgh’s most recognisable landmarks is being given a spruce-up as it celebrates a milestone year.

Completed in 1844 and opened in 1846, the 200 feet tall Scott Monument, built in memory of Sir Walter Scott, is 180 years old this year.

Specialist teams have been pictured sweeping the delicate sandstone as harder cleaning would damage the carvings.

Affectionately known by many as the “Gothic Rocket”, the monument is an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic architecture.

Designed by self-taught architect George Meikle Kemp following a competition in 1838, it is adorned with statues of writers, poets, and characters from Scott’s novels.

Tragically, Kemp died at the age of 48 before seeing his masterpiece completed, drowning in the Union Canal shortly before construction finished.

At its base sits John Steell’s statue of Sir Walter Scott alongside his faithful dog, Maida, overlooking Princes Street that remains at the heart of the city Scott helped to celebrate through his work.