Every time the boys and I go to Edinburgh, someone says, ‘Shall we go up the Scott Monument?’ We don’t often – sometimes it’s shut, sometimes the weather isn’t suitable, and then there’s that narrow spiral staircase with 287 steps to the top… You need to be at your best for that.
The Scott Monument sits in the middle of Edinburgh, between the castle and Princes Street, and apparently it’s the largest monument ever built to a writer. (Sir Walter Scott.)
One year, we did go up, and I came across the photos recently while reorganising my newly-found files.
You start off feeling quite fit, but the stairs seem to get steeper – and narrower.
Fotrunately, you emerge every so often onto a platform, where you can catch your breath and admire the views. (Apologies for the slightly squint nature of some of these pics; I’m not terribly good at heights…)
It was one of the years they were digging up Princes Street for the tram lines.
However, once you do get to the top, it’s definitely worth it. That’s the castle below,
and the view down to the Firth of Forth.
It was pretty blowy at the top, but then you’re a long way up. I think this was the second highest platform.
Waverley Station’s on the right there, named after Scott’s novel.
The view right along Princes Street, which was traffic-free for a year or two. Nowadays, shiny white trams roll along there. 
I enjoyed my visit to the Scott Monument, but I’m not sure I’ll go up again. A trip on one of those trams sounds like a more restful holiday idea!
linda huber 
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