Contemplate for a moment the spirit of Scotland’s national poet. Here before us stands the Robert Burns Statue. It’s more than just stone. It’s a tribute to a man who captured the heart of a nation.
The Robert Burns Statue graces Regent Road. It sits on the southern flank of Calton Hill. The monument stands in memory of Robert Burns. He was Scotland’s most revered poet and lyricist.
Construction took place between 1831 and 1839. The Robert Burns Statue followed an earlier memorial. That one stood in his birthplace, Alloway. Thomas Hamilton designed both memorials. He was the country’s leading Greek Revivalist architect. Hamilton also designed the Royal High School across the road.
Edinburgh earned the nickname “Athens of the North.” This came about during the 19th century. The nickname reflected the city’s advancements in philosophy, science, and art. Greek inspiration is present in the Robert Burns Statue. This monument models itself on the ancient choragic monument of Lysicrates in Athens. The impressive structure features 12 Corinthian columns. It also has intricate stone carvings. A Ravelston sandstone domed roof tops it off. Look closely. You’ll notice a tripod on top. Lion sculptures surround it.
The monument is surrounded by plants. These plants are mentioned in Burns’ poetry. Donated hollies, laurels, and Ayrshire roses add to the beauty.
Originally, a white marble statue of Burns stood inside. John Flaxman created it. The Robert Burns Statue has since moved. It is now in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery on Queen Street. This relocation preserves the statue’s beauty.
Burns had a humble agricultural upbringing. His parents were tenant farmers. The tough Scottish weather made farming unpredictable. It was often an unrewarding job. He lived in poverty for much of his life. Yet, his parents ensured Robert and his brother received an education. He often read in his free time.
Burns wrote his first love poem around age 15. It was for a farmer’s daughter. From there, he wrote over 700 works in his short lifetime. These include familiar poems like ‘Auld Lang Syne’ and ‘Ae Fond Kiss’. His poems touched on universal themes like love and nature. He also discussed farm life, class differences, and tradition. His humble upbringing inspired him.
He gained some acclaim for his writing while alive. But he became known as “Scotland’s national poet” after his death.
Today, Burns has a day named after him. Every January 25th, people gather for “Burns suppers.” On this day, admirers enjoy traditional Haggis and whiskey. They recite the poem ‘Address to a Haggis’. They also recite his many other much-loved poems.
The Edinburgh & District Burns Clubs Association often meets at this Robert Burns Statue. Occasionally, they provide access to the monument grounds. They also host informational talks and performances for the public.
Thomas Hamilton did not charge for the design work. The temple consists of a central drum structure. It is called a ‘cella’. Twelve columns surround it. They are known as a ‘peristyle’. Ravelston sandstone makes up the monument. A domed roof caps it. Intricate stone carvings and winged lion sculptures adorn it.
The Robert Burns Statue overlooks the Canongate graveyard. The poet’s close friend rests there. Mrs Agnes MacLehose is buried here. Burns referred to her as ‘Clarinda’ in his letters and poems.
Robert Buchan and Eagle Henderson donated interior decoration. They also donated surrounding plantings. These included laurels, hollies, and Ayrshire roses.
So, as you stand before the Robert Burns Statue remember the man. Remember his words and his impact on Scotland. His legacy lives on in every verse. It lives on in every celebration of his life and work.