Start your tour at St. Andrews Square

Welcome to St. Andrews Square, the jewel in the crown of Edinburgh's New Town. This elegant square, designed by the visionary architect James Craig, was the first of the New Town's garden squares to be completed. As we stand here, we can appreciate the grandeur of the surrounding Georgian buildings, their symmetrical facades a testament to the era's love of order and proportion.

Dominating the square is the imposing Melville Monument, a towering tribute to Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville, a prominent Scottish politician of the late 18th century. The monument, with its fluted Doric column and statue of Dundas at its summit, is a striking landmark and a reminder of Edinburgh's rich history.

Next Make your Way To the Scott Monument

 

From St. Andrews Square, we now turn our attention to one of Edinburgh's most iconic landmarks: the Scott Monument. This towering Gothic masterpiece, the second largest in the world, is dedicated to the renowned Scottish author Sir Walter Scott and is a testament to his literary legacy. Its intricate stonework includes gargoyles of characters that feature in Scott's infamous Waverley novels. The monument creates a dramatic silhouette against the Edinburgh skyline. 

At the base of the monument, we find a magnificent statue of Scott himself, accompanied by his faithful dog, Maida. This stunning marble sculpture, carved from a single block, captures the essence of the writer, a figure who brought Scottish history and folklore to life through his novels. As we gaze upon this statue, we can't help but feel a sense of connection to the literary genius who has left an enduring legacy on Scottish culture. 

 

Take a breathe of fresh air in
The Princes Street Gardens

Leaving the imposing figure of Sir Walter Scott, we now descend into the heart of Edinburgh's New Town, Princes Street Gardens. This expansive green space, once the site of the Nor Loch, offers a tranquil respite from the bustling city. As we wander through the gardens, we're treated to stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, perched majestically on its rocky outcrop. 

Whether you're seeking a quiet moment of reflection or a fun day out with the family, Princes Street Gardens has something for everyone.

Next we head to The Mound 

From the serene beauty of Princes Street Gardens, we now ascend the Mound, a dramatic ridge made from the rubble used to create New Town, forms a natural bridge between the Old and New Towns. This elevated walkway offers panoramic views of the city, with Edinburgh Castle dominating the skyline.

The Mound is also home to some of Edinburgh's most prestigious cultural institutions. The Scottish National Gallery, housed in a stunning neoclassical building, boasts an impressive collection of Scottish and European art. Its galleries showcase masterpieces from renowned artists such as Titian, Rembrandt, and Monet.

Nearby, the Royal Scottish Academy houses a diverse range of contemporary art, from painting and sculpture to photography and installation. The Academy's annual exhibitions showcase the work of emerging and established Scottish artists.

As we stroll along the Mound, we can't help but be inspired by the wealth of artistic and cultural treasures that showcase the Scottish Enlightenment style of architecture.

Walk up Frederik Street to the King George the IV monument

From the cultural riches of the Mound, we continue our journey in New Town along Princes Street and then up Frederick Street. This elegant thoroughfare, lined with grand Georgian buildings, is a testament to the New Town's architectural splendour. As we stroll along the street, we cross the lively Rose Street complete with beautiful shopfronts, tasty restaurants and traditional pubs, many of which have retained their original features.

At the eastern end of Frederick Street, we encounter the imposing figure of King George IV. This equestrian statue, unveiled in 1844, commemorates the British monarch's visit to Edinburgh in 1822. The monument, with its ornate base and towering column, is a striking landmark and a reminder of the city's royal connections.

The visit was largely the brainchild of Sir Walter Scott, the renowned Scottish author. Scott, a staunch Unionist, saw the visit as an opportunity to foster a sense of Scottish pride and loyalty to the British crown. He meticulously planned the event, ensuring that it was a grand affair filled with pageantry and tradition.

To prepare for the King's arrival, Edinburgh was transformed. Streets were repaved, buildings were refurbished, and new infrastructure was built. The city was adorned with flags and banners, and the people of Edinburgh were encouraged to participate in a series of festivities, including parades, banquets, and concerts.

When the King finally arrived, he was greeted by jubilant crowds. He was dressed in Highland attire, a move that was seen as a gesture of respect for Scottish culture. During his visit, he attended a variety of events, including a banquet at Holyrood Palace, a review of the Royal Company of Archers, and a procession to Edinburgh Castle.

 

Walk along George Street to Castle Street

Castle Street is a historically significant street in Edinburgh's New Town, offering impressive views of Edinburgh Castle and playing a key role in the area's design.

Description:

Location: Castle Street runs roughly north-south in the First New Town, connecting Princes Street in the south to Queen Street in the north.

Architecture: The street is characterized by elegant Georgian townhouses, typically built in a neoclassical style with sandstone facades. Many of these buildings date back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Notable Buildings:

Sir Walter Scott's House: The famous Scottish novelist and poet, Sir Walter Scott, lived at 39 North Castle Street from 1802 to 1826.

Other notable residents: Castle Street has been home to many other prominent figures throughout its history, including lawyers, doctors, and merchants.

Views of Edinburgh Castle:

Uninterrupted vistas: Due to its alignment and the deliberate planning of the New Town, Castle Street offers clear and dramatic views of Edinburgh Castle to the west.

Framed by architecture: The castle is framed by the elegant buildings lining the street, creating a picturesque and iconic urban landscape.

A visual reminder: The views of the castle serve as a constant reminder of Edinburgh's rich history and its medieval Old Town.

Significance in New Town Design:

Key thoroughfare: Castle Street was one of the primary streets in the original plan for the New Town, designed by James Craig in 1767.

Grid layout: The street is an integral part of the New Town's grid system, which was a revolutionary concept in urban planning at the time.

Emphasis on vistas: The design of Castle Street, with its direct views of the castle, reflects the importance of visual connections and the desire to integrate the old and new parts of the city.

Symbol of progress: The New Town, with Castle Street as a key component, symbolized Edinburgh's progress and modernity in the late 18th century.

In summary, Castle Street is an important historical and architectural landmark in Edinburgh. It not only provides stunning views of Edinburgh Castle but also exemplifies the visionary design of the New Town, which has had a lasting impact on urban planning worldwide.