Scott Monument External Lighting

The initial site visit to the Scott Monument conjured up images of Jack and the Beanstalk, faced with an imposing blackened tower, crowded with illegible Gothic detailing. Both dominating and delicate, a new lighting scheme was needed to bring the Scott Monument back to life.

The masonry is immensely fragile and conservation requirements are rigid, therefore we restricted our brief to using existing mounting points. We endeavoured to avoid additional punctures that could cause cracking or structural issues in the future.

We visualised our concept in real scale, testing various colour temperatures, beam angles and LED lamp options directly onto the monument. It became apparent that the monument itself would drive our concept. Essentially the stone decided where and how we should use light. It sparkles under the Xicato. Separated Phosphor technology. Not the Artist or Vibrant range, they both created a greenish tint to the masonry. Only the standard 83 Ra module would suit. We punctuated this with direct sources to the crown and Sir Walter Scott statue. The light glides over the stonework, defining key architectural features. Our final design includes eight additional doubled-headed custom bollards.This allows the base of the monument to be illuminated, linking the structure with its urban surroundings, the people of Edinburgh and visitors to the city.

Is the new scheme more efficient? We have designed the majority of luminaires with a local manufacturer, who fabricated the fittings in Edinburgh. The luminaries can all be maintained from the monument itself. Each beam angle has been visually tested to graze the stonework in a controlled and sympathetic manner, revealing forgotten features. Comparing the new scheme with the historic one, watt per watt, the new scheme has modestly reduced the electrical load but greatly reduced energy consumed through re-lamping and access equipment.