The Edinburgh Mound: A Must-Visit Destination

Located in the heart of Edinburgh, The Mound is one of the city’s most distinctive and historically significant landmarks. This artificial hill connects Edinburgh’s Old Town and New Town, offering visitors a unique vantage point to experience the city’s rich cultural heritage and breathtaking vistas of Edinburgh Castle, the Old and New Towns, Princes Street and right out to the water of Leith.

A Strategic Location

The Mound was created from earth excavated during the construction of the New Town in the late 18th century and early 19th century. What began as a dumping ground for excess soil has evolved into one of Edinburgh’s most important thoroughfares and cultural centers. Its strategic position makes it an ideal starting point for tourists looking to explore the city’s major attractions.

Cultural Treasures

At the bottom of The Mound, just where it meets Princes Street, visitors will find two of Scotland’s most prestigious art institutions: the Scottish National Gallery and the Royal Scottish Academy. These magnificent neoclassical buildings house world-class collections of fine art, including works by Scottish artists and international masters. The galleries regularly host special exhibitions, making them worth visiting year-round. The Scottish National Gallery has free entry while the Royal Scottish Academy charges for their special exhibitions.

See a million pounds!

The Mound is home to impressive architectural gems beyond the galleries. The Bank of Scotland headquarters, with its striking dome and classical façade, dominates the skyline. It also features the free Museum on the Mound where children, and a lot of adults, will enjoy seeing a million pounds laid out!

Architectural Splendor

Nearby, New College and the Assembly Hall of the Church of Scotland showcase Gothic Revival architecture at its finest. The striking General Assembly Hall of the Church of Scotland has served as the meeting place for the Church’s annual General Assembly since the 19th century, and temporarily housed the Scottish Parliament from 1999 to 2004. Now it is used as a Festival venue (titled Assembly) during the August International and Fringe festivals.

Panoramic Views

Perhaps The Mound’s greatest appeal is the spectacular panoramic views it offers. From various points, tourists can enjoy sweeping vistas of Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument, and the elegant Georgian architecture of the New Town. These photo opportunities alone make The Mound worth visiting. Why not stop in for a bite to eat with this gorgeous vista in front of you at the Whiski Rooms or The Makar’s Rest Mash Bar?

Literary Connections

Literary enthusiasts will appreciate that The Mound has connections to some of Scotland’s greatest writers. The Writers’ Museum is just a short walk away, and features the lives and works of Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. Edinburgh’s designation as UNESCO’s first City of Literature is evident in the cultural institutions clustered around The Mound.

Geological Significance

What many visitors don’t realize is that The Mound itself is an engineering marvel. Constructed using approximately 1,501,000 cartloads of earth excavated from the foundations of the New Town, it serves as a testament to Edinburgh’s urban planning innovation. The steep gradients of The Mound’s streets offer a physical reminder of the city’s unique topography and the ingenuity required to connect its disparate sections.

Find out more about The Mound at:

The Scotsman – Lost Edinburgh: The Mound

Wikipedia – The Mound

Museum on the Mound

New College – The Edinburgh University School of Divinity