New display for the Nelson Monument

With the conservation work to the Nelson Monument almost complete, the focus is now on improving the presentation of the monument to the public.

For the first time the public will have access to some of the rooms at the base of the monument, originally intended as accommodation for the keeper of the monument.
Here a new display, designed by Edinburgh based firm Studioarc, will interpret the background to the Nelson Monument for visitors, covering the role of Scots at the Battle of Trafalgar, the development of the building and the time ball mechanism.

The conservation work has also been recorded by local film-maker Ewen Meldrum. Using his trademark style of time-lapse photography, Ewen has filmed the progress of the work, including the operation to return the restored time ball to the top of the monument in June. The finished film will be hosted on the EWH website and YouTube later this year.

The Scottish Storytelling Centre is also getting involved, by offering special storytelling workshops at the monument for primary schools. The sessions will bring together technology, history, navigation in a unique cross-curricular approach, as well as telling the story of Lord Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar. The free sessions are available on 4 and 5 November, and each will last around 50 minutes.

The Nelson Monument is part of the Doors Open Day programme this year, and will be open for free on Saturday 26 September between 10am – 6pm. This will be opportunity to re-discover the famous Edinburgh landmark following its recent restoration as part of the Twelve Monuments Project.

Find out more about the monument and its time ball, and enjoy some of the most stunning panoramic views across the city. There will be a variety of nautical themed activities on offer, and a chance to hear stories of Lord Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar.

The project is funded by EWH and the City of Edinburgh Council, along with a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and other individual donations.