If you are planning a conservation or restoration project and want expert guidance, reach out to start the conversation.
The Sir Walter Scott Monument in Princes Street Gardens centres on a seated Carrara marble statue of Scott with his dog Maida, carved by Sir John Steell.
In the 1990s, conservation teams assessed how best to care for the monument’s smoke-darkened sandstone—balancing appearance, risk, and long-term stability—before moving forward with a conservation-led restoration approach.
A major programme was prepared and delivered 1997–1999, including photogrammetry surveys and cleaning test panels; after trials, the team chose not to fully clean due to risk and to respect the monument’s character. Damaged stones and earlier repairs were addressed using stone sourced from the original Binny quarry area, which was temporarily re-excavated to obtain matching material for repairs.
As one of Edinburgh’s defining landmarks, the monument’s fine carvings and details are irreplaceable—once surface loss happens, it’s permanent. The conservation programme helped secure the structure’s future while keeping the historic “aged” appearance that contributes to its identity.
If you are planning a conservation or restoration project and want expert guidance, reach out to start the conversation.
