The Golden Boy

This statue sits atop of Edinburgh University’s Old College. A decade ago work was undertaken to re-gild him as he was suffering from exposure to the elements. For those who don’t know the location the extra gives a wider view.

The formal name of the stature is the Figure of Youth and was first erected around 1888. He is holding the torch of enlightenment. Anthony Hall is said to have been the model. The usual tale is that he was an Edinburgh boxer though some descendants say he was more an athlete - a runner and pole vaulter.