Here stands a bronze figure. It is Queen Victoria, in her older years. She wears a crown and holds a sceptre. This is one of three statues of Queen Victoria in Edinburgh.
The Queen Victoria Statue before you stands at the foot of Leith Walk. It was erected in 1907. The statue honors the men of Leith. These men fought in the Boer War. Imagine the crowds that gathered here for the inauguration. Around 20,000 people attended in 1907.
Take a closer look at the sandstone pedestal. Notice the bronze relief panels on each side. These panels were added in 1913. The left panel shows Queen Victoria entering Leith in 1842. She is seated in an open carriage. Prince Albert stands beside her. Men in gowns greet her. These are likely members of the Town Council.
Now, observe the panel on the right. It depicts the 5th Volunteer Battalion. They are the Royal Scots. An officer presents them to Britannia. She is a figure with a lion at her feet. Behind them is a rocky landscape. The sun emits large rays. The words “SOUTH AFRICA” are across the sun’s rays.
The Queen Victoria Statue has not always stood in this exact spot. In 1968, it was moved from further out in the main road. Then, in 2002, it was moved a few yards east. This was to make room for a new sculpture. It was a 60 ft high blue steel sculpture of a whale’s tusk. The sculpture commemorates the refurbishment of Leith Kirkgate shopping center. This was one of Scotland’s first shopping centers. It was built in the 1950s.
Look for the inscriptions on the bronze shield. It features a crown and thistles. You will see the words “VICTORIA QUEEN 1837-1901 EMPRESS OF INDIA 1877-1901 ERECTED 1907”. Also, note the inscriptions on the bronze panels. The left panel reads “QUEEN VICTORIA ENTERING LEITH SEPT. 3, 1842”. The right panel says “5TH. VOLUNTEER BATTALION, ‘THE ROYAL SCOTS’. SOUTH AFRICA 1900-02. A Memorial to Patriotism and Loyalty.”
The Queen Victoria Statue stands as a tribute to both Queen Victoria and the soldiers of Leith. It also reminds us of Leith’s history and changes. It shows the refurbishment of the shopping center. Take a moment to appreciate this statue’s history. Consider its significance to the people of Leith. This bronze figure represents a connection to the past. It reflects the patriotism and loyalty of a community.