Gothic Rocket Ship

As a first blip this wasn't too difficult to make a decision over. I am always fascinated by the Scott Monument in Prince's Street and how such a grand monument was built in memory of a writer. You wouldn't get them doing that these days.

Completed in 1844, sixteen years after the death of Walter Scott, it cost £16K to build and stands 61.1m high. I was surprised to discover it is constructed of shale and not sandstone. The shale is full of shale-oil which is still leeching out of the brick-work giving it a sooty appearance.

Not sure many of the Christmas shoppers were looking up at it today mind.