Hume tomb conserved

News in brief

The last resting place of Scotland’s greatest philosopher has been conserved, thanks to a joint project led by the Council and Edinburgh World Heritage.

The David Hume mausoleum in Old Calton burial ground was designed by his friend, the famous architect Robert Adam, matching the philosopher’s wish that on his death a “Monument be built over my body ... with an inscription containing only my name and the year of my birth and death, leaving it to posterity to add the rest”.

The conservation works focused on removing vegetation, replacing loose or defective pointing and restoring the intricate Roman inspired interior.

The total cost of the project was £5,000, funded by the Council and Edinburgh World Heritage, with donations from the Regent, Royal and Carlton Terraces Association and others.