Dugald Stewart Monument, Edinburgh 1966

Standing proudly on the edge of Calton Hill, the Dugald Stewart Monument is one of Edinburgh’s most iconic and photogenic landmarks. Its classical design and elevated position make it a favourite spot for both visitors and locals, offering sweeping views across the city’s historic skyline.

The monument was built in memory of Dugald Stewart (1753–1828), a prominent philosopher and professor of moral philosophy at the University of Edinburgh. Stewart was a leading figure of the Scottish Enlightenment—a period during the 18th and early 19th centuries when Edinburgh became a centre of intellectual and scientific thought.

Commissioned by the Royal Society of Edinburgh, the monument was designed by the celebrated architect William Henry Playfair and completed in 1831. Playfair based its design on the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens, reflecting the neoclassical style that was popular during the time. It features a circular base surrounded by nine fluted Corinthian columns, enclosing a decorative stone urn at its centre.

The Dugald Stewart Monument is more than just a tribute to a philosopher—it is a symbol of Edinburgh’s Enlightenment legacy and its reputation as the “Athens of the North.” Its position on Calton Hill places it among a group of neoclassical monuments, including the National Monument and the Nelson Monument, further reinforcing the city’s classical image.

From the base of the monument, visitors are rewarded with some of the best panoramic views in Edinburgh. The outlook stretches westward across the Old and New Towns, with Edinburgh Castle visible in the distance and Arthur’s Seat rising to the south. It’s a particularly popular viewpoint at sunset, when the golden light casts a warm glow over the city.