William Henry Playfair - Dugald Stewart Monument

Stopping work for a couple of days to try to clear up the beginnings of a chest infection. But had one unavoidable call to make. So on the way decided to stop and complete my Playfair mini-series - and then see how random shots go for the next few days.

This is the Dugald Stewart Monument, designed by Playfair in 1831. It stands on Calton Hill overlooking Princes Street. Stewart was a Professor of the University of Edinburgh, holding the chair of moral philosophy from 1786 until his death. The Royal Society of Edinburgh commissioned the monument, and selected the site. The design was modelled on the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens, Greece.

It was a beautiful cold bright day. Another Playfair work (in collaboration this time) was the National Monument to be Scotland's memorial to those who died fighting for the United Kingdom in the Napoleonic Wars.

The budget was £42,000. The idea was supported - of course! - by Sir Walter Scott. £16,000 was raised and the work began. Unfortunately, it never acheived its needed funding, and it came to a halt halfway through. Often it is called Edinburgh's Folly!

(It is said - could be true, might be rubbish - that Glasgow offered to chip in to complete the project, but Edinburgh was too proud to accept!)