Calton Hill gets a dramatic makeover

One of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks has undergone a dramatic makeover.

Calton Hill – which offers superb panoramic views of the city – is now, cleaner, safer and more attractive.

In a collaboration between the Council and the Edinburgh World Heritage Trust, symbolic monuments on Calton Hill have been restored as part of the Twelve Monuments Programme.

Work has been completed on the National Monument to reposition the enormous eight-tonne stone lintel on top of the monument which had mysteriously shifted a couple of inches out of place.

Currently, the Burns monument on Regents Road is being given a makeover and work should be completed by July.

Work is also set to begin on Nelson’s monument to refurbish the time ball.

To make Calton Hill more pleasant and safer for visitors, historic views were opened up by removing overgrown and diseased vegetation and replanting new species. Lighting, seating and footpaths were also improved, and major restoration work was carried out on the steps, sidewalls and railings from Waterloo Place to Calton Hill.

Need to know

To find out more, visit Edinburgh World Heritage Trust at www.ewht.org.uk