Visit the Burns Monument in Edinburgh | Tour Details & Highlights
Discover all you need to know about visiting the Robert Burns Monument
in Edinburgh with Bright Bus Tours.
About the Burns Monument
The Robert Burns Monument is located on Regent Road, on the southern flank of Calton Hill. Constructed between 1831–39, this monument stands in memory of Scotland’s most revered poet and lyricist, Robert Burns.
The construction of the Burns Monument in Edinburgh followed the building of an earlier memorial erected in his birthplace, Alloway, South Ayrshire. Both memorials were designed by Thomas Hamilton, the country’s leading Greek Revivalist architect of the time. Hamilton was also responsible for the design of the Royal High School opposite the road.
Not to be confused with the Burns Monument Centre in Kilmarnock, this Burns Monument underwent extensive restoration work before re-opening to the public in 2009. The restored monument overlooks the New Calton Burial Ground, where another Scottish poet, William Knox, is buried.
The Monument Design
Taking inspiration from Athenian architecture during the 19th century, Edinburgh earned the nickname of “Athens of the North.” This architectural choice reflected the city’s advancements in philosophy, science and art.
The Greek inspiration is similarly present in the Burns Monument. This monument is modelled on the ancient choragic monument of Lysicrates in Athens. The impressive structure features 12 Corinthian columns, intricate stone carvings, and a Ravelston sandstone domed roof. You’ll also notice a tripod on the top, surrounded by lion sculptures.
The monument is surrounded by plants mentioned in the bard’s poetry, including donated hollies, laurels and Ayrshire roses.
This structure originally housed a white marble statue of the poet created by John Flaxman. Robert Burn’s statue has since been relocated to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery on Queen Street to maintain the statue’s beauty.
Robert Burns: Scotland’s National Poet
Burns had a humble agricultural upbringing. His parents were tenant farmers, and the tough Scottish weather meant that farming was an unpredictable and often unrewarding job. He lived in poverty for much of his life, yet his parents worked hard to ensure Robert and his brother received an education. He often occupied his free time with reading.
Burns wrote his first love poem around the age of 15 to a farmer’s daughter. From there, he would go on to write over 700 works in his short lifetime. These included familiar poems like ‘Auld Lang Syne’ and ‘Ae Fond Kiss’. His poems touched on universal themes like love and nature. He also discussed aspects of farm life, class differences, tradition and more, inspired by his humble upbringing.
While he gained some acclaim for his writing while he was alive, it was not until after his death that he became known as “Scotland’s national poet.”
Today, Burns has a day named after him. Every January 25th, people come together for “Burns suppers”. On this day, admirers of the bard enjoy traditional Haggis and whiskey while reciting the poem ‘Address to a Haggis’, as well as his many other much-loved poems.
Visiting Details
The Burns Monument is free to visit and admire by all visitors. It is situated on Regent Road, not far from the East end of the popular Princes Street. There is metered parking available on Regent Road.
Our Bright Bus City Tour conveniently stops near the Burns Monument. From there, you can head to other nearby attractions like Calton Hill and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The Edinburgh & District Burns Clubs Association (EDBCA) often meets at this monument. On occasion, like during Doors Open Days, the association provides access to the monument grounds and hosts informational talks and performances for the public.
Honour Scotland’s National Poet With Bright Bus Tours
Bright Bus Tours offers the brightest and most cost-effective way to see Edinburgh. Our Bright Bus City Tour stops close to the Burns Monument, as well as at least 12 other key stops in the city, including Arthur’s Seat and Edinburgh Castle. Our hop-on, hop-off buses run every 15 minutes, allowing you to hop on over to your next attraction whenever you’re ready.
This means you can get the most out of your trip to Edinburgh without having to worry about navigating an unfamiliar city. We take you directly to some of the city’s biggest attractions, all while providing you with important information along the way.
In addition to our bus tours, we offer a convenient and budget-friendly Airport Express bus service to help you get to and from the airport in no time.
Admire some of Scotland’s greatest treasures with Bright Bus Tours.
Book your City Tour today and see the Burns Monument and Edinburgh’s other highlights from the best seat in town.