No waiting

Perhaps the cone was put up for the seagulls and pigeons who can read. But how did it get so high up and why are the little doors of the lantern open? Maybe some students who frequent the numerous university buildings around here know. The lantern would make a perfect nesting site with a bird's eye view of the antics of the local students especially while socializing at Potterrow.
This three cornered support with its many carvings was built for a metal and glass lamp and presented to the City of Edinburgh by William McEwan in 1897. He also funded the McEwan Hall which was originally built for graduations and is just visible here.