By Carrie Sanderson 6月 01, 2020

Visit Edinburgh This Spring

The long Scottish winter is finally over,
and spring is on its way.
We're pleased to unveil our brand new collection,
and beautiful window display.

Our in-house illustrator extraordinaire Jessica has been busy designing our wonderful window display celebrating some of Edinburgh's most famous locations enthralled in the joys of spring. From Edinburgh Castle and Greyfriars Bobby; to the Scott Monument and Dean Village, join us as we explore the history of the iconic Edinburgh landmarks featured in our beautiful display.

About the Artist

I am an Edinburgh born illustrator and just moved back to Scotland after three years in Paris. I am now part of ScotlandShop’s dynamic team and enjoy working with tartan, learning more about my countries traditions and practising my tailoring skills. During my time in France, I worked with the theatre and used this as my source of inspiration for this project.

Since I moved back to Scotland in August last year, I have been painting and sketching the remarkable sites and buildings of Edinburgh. I was delighted to illustrate some of Edinburgh’s best iconic views for ScotlandShop’s Spring window display.

Inspired by my passion for set design and theatre, I aimed to create a space with my illustrations that invites the public into our world of tartan.

Firstly, I created sketches from each location, changing perspective and composition until I was happy with it. Next, I applied watercolour, which is my favourite medium, and ink on some small-scale paintings to see what the drawings would look like together. Once I was sure of my idea, I painted each scene on big sheets of watercolour paper, ready to be scanned in afterwards for printing onto the large boards.

Many of our customers travel from across the world to visit Edinburgh. Some on a mission to discover their family ancestors and some to learn of Scotland’s past for the first time. Travel forms stories and in a city so rich with history, there is a story to tell at every corner, so I have chosen to paint some of my favourite locations:

ScotlandShop Spring Window Design Process

The Scott Monument

The Scott Monument is one of Edinburgh's most iconic landmarks, and it stands as an ode to one of Scotland's most famous sons, Sir Walter Scott. For the millions of people who travel to Edinburgh by railway each year, the Scott Monument is one of the first places they experience due to its proximity to Waverly Station. This is apt, with the station being named after Scott's 'Waverly' novels. Located in East Princes Street Gardens, opposite the famous Jenners department store, the Scott Monument dominates the Princes Street skyline. At just over 200 feet tall, it is the second-largest monument dedicated to a writer in the world, with the tallest being the José Marti monument in Havana, Cuba.

Scott Monument The Scott Monument - Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh

Since I was little, this structure, this Gothic rocket ready to take off, has always intrigued me and fuelled my imagination. I love the spikes, spires, and the darkness of it in contrast to its surrounding gardens. In springtime, it makes the grass look even greener because of its blackness, but the spring flowers put colours into it. Therefore, I have painted it with blues and ochres borrowed from the spring sun and daffodils.

The monument, which is sometimes known as 'the gothic spaceship' by locals, was designed by George Meikle Kemp in 1832. The 45-year-old joiner and self-taught architect had won a competition, following Scott's death, to design a monument in his memory. Curiously, he had used the pseudonym 'John Morvo', the name of the architect who designed Melrose Abbey, when applying, as he feared that his lack of formal qualifications would see him disqualified. However, his fears were misplaced, with the design being popular with the competition's judges.

Did you know that the Scott Monument is amongst only 3 buildings on the south-side of Princes Street? This is due to a law preventing construction that would restrict the vista of Edinburgh Castle.

Building began in 1840 and was finished in the autumn of 1844, with Kemp's son placing the final brick. Its design features a statue of the famous writer alongside his faithful dog, Madia, sculpted by John Steell, who was famous for creating several Burns statues. In addition to the statue of Scott, the structure features 64 different characters from his novels. Sadly, Kemp, the monuments creator, did not see his design come to fruition having fallen and drowned in Edinburgh's Union Canal on the foggy evening of 6th March 1844.

The Scott Monument Advocates Close The Scott Monument from Advocates Close

Top Tip: You can get a great view of the Scott Monument from Advocate's Close on the Royal Mile.


Today the monument houses a series of viewing platforms that can be accessed by a series of spiral staircases, the highest of which can be reached by a total of 288 steps. The viewing platform provides beautiful panoramic vistas of Central Edinburgh and the surrounding area, (you can just about see our Edinburgh Shop!) making it a must-see attraction when visiting the Athens of the North.

Princes Street from Scott Monument View From Scott Monument Looking West

Edinburgh Castle

Across the world, many landmarks are synonymous with the city that they call home. From the Sydney Opera House to the Empire State Building, and the Burj Khalifa, each of these buildings is symbolic of their host city; and for Edinburgh, this symbol is its castle. Edinburgh Castle has kept a watchful eye over the historic city for centuries and is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe.

Edinburgh Castle 2 Edinburgh Castle

You couldn’t not paint the castle. I’ve always loved Scottish history and that’s why I love Edinburgh. This military monument expresses its bravery, and to walk past it is such a pleasure. I always think to myself, what a funny idea to look at that rock many years ago and think ‘yes let’s build a castle on top of that dormant volcano’.

The castle has had many uses throughout its long and illustrious history, from a Royal residence and fortress; to a military garrison and prison. It holds the title of the most besieged place in Britain. Edinburgh Castle changed hands many times throughout the Wars of Independence, given its importance and strategic position. On one such instance, a group of 30 hand-picked men navigated the precarious rock-face of The Mound, on which the castle sits, and scaled its high walls. Upon gaining entry, the brave warriors routed the English soldiers and secured the ancient stronghold. Robert the Bruce then ordered the immediate destruction of its defences to prevent the English from re-taking it.

In more peaceful times the castle was home to an unusual guest. Following a tour of Sri Lanka, in 1838, the 78th Highlander Regiment returned to their home of Edinburgh Castle with an Elephant! The elephant lived in Edinburgh Castle for many years and was even known to enjoy a wee dram' or a taste of beer with its comrades.

Today the castle is a world-famous tourist attraction, sitting directly between the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Edinburgh's Old and New Towns. With over 2.1 million visitors each year, the castle is Scotland's most and the United Kingdom's second most-visited paid tourist attraction. The castle has achieved global status, becoming a symbol of not just Edinburgh, but Scotland itself.

Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh Castle

Dean Village

Situated only 5 minutes from the bustling Princes Street is Edinburgh's historic Dean Village. A walk through Dean Village is like taking a step back to a more peaceful time with its beautiful picturesque architecture alongside the meandering Water of Leith. The village is over 800 years old and was the centrepiece of a successful grain milling area. At its peak, there were no fewer than eleven working mills being driven by the strong currents of the Water of Leith.

Dean Village Dean Village - Edinburgh

Dean Village is different from the rest of Edinburgh, in the sense that it is like a city break only ten minutes from Princes Street. Its winding cobbled streets take you past old houses, under a huge bridge, round vast stone structures and quiet benches that look onto the serene Water of Leith. The first time I revisited it, I couldn’t believe the greenery. It made me look forward to the spring season, and I knew I had to draw it as one of my pieces.

The name Dean Village originates from dene, meaning 'deep valley', and was first mentioned in King David I's charter of Holyrood Abbey in 1145. It remained as a separate village until the 19th Century when it was purchased and incorporated into the city of Edinburgh. The four-arched Dean Bridge was designed by famous architect Thomas Telford and was opened in 1833, providing a link to the city's West End.

As the larger and more modern mills began production in Leith, the area, unfortunately, began to decay into a state of poverty as trade dried up. However, by the mid-1970s the area was revitalised with many of the buildings being renovated and restored. Today it is one of the most beautiful areas of the city and has become a desirable residential area. It is also home to the Water of Leith Walkway which stretches 12.25 miles from Balerno to Leith. This hidden gem is well worth a visit as one of Edinburgh's best secret locations.

Dean Village Dean Village

Greyfriars Bobby

The city of Edinburgh has a long and illustrious history with plenty of tales to tell. One of our favourite stories is that of Greyfriars Bobby, which follows the life of an Edinburgh man, named John, and his beloved dog. So the story goes, that a watchman patrolled the cobbled streets of the capital with the help of his partner, his Skye Terrier called Bobby. The pair were a common sight, as the faithful friends patrolled the city's streets.

Greyfriars Bobby Greyfriars Bobby - Grassmarket, Edinburgh

I chose Bobby because he embodies friendship. Edinburgh is often referred to as being a very friendly place to visit and Bobbies famous tale of devotion is one that is retold repeatedly to remind us that this is an important characteristic of our city.

Following years on the beat, Edinburgh's harsh winters had taken their toll on the watchman. After a battle with tuberculosis, John passed away on the 15th of February 1858. Faithful in life and death, his trusted partner, Bobby, refused to leave his graveside in Greyfriars Churchyard. Bobby kept vigil over his master through the worst weather conditions and even managed to avoid being evicted by the churchyard's gardener. The gardener eventually gave up trying and instead build the terrier shelter beside his master's grave.

Bobby soon became a celebrity in Edinburgh, with the city's residents huddling around the gate of the Kirkyard hoping to catch a glimpse. The people of Edinburgh took great care of Bobby, as he remained by his master's side. For fourteen years, he kept vigil until old age took him in 1872.

Today Bobby's likeness can be found outside Greyfriars Churchyard on the corner of Candlemaker Row. His headstone reads "Greyfriars Bobby - died 14th January 1872 - aged 16 years - Let his loyalty and devotion be a lesson to us all.

Did you know, that people sometimes rub Bobby's nose for good luck? However, this practice has in fact damaged the statue, with the paint being rubbed off of his nose. This has resulted in it turning gold.

Greyfriars Bobby Statue Greyfriars Bobby

To reflect the individuality that ScotlandShop offers in creating your own customised tartan outfit, I wanted to create something unique and inspiring for the window display. I hope that by creating this, I can motivate anyone walking past to discover the city in their own way. Where's your favourite spring spot in Edinburgh?