Edinburgh statues and sculptures

Many of those who have played a key role in shaping Scottish identity, culture, politics and scientific advancement are commemorated in permanent memorials of stone or bronze, which are often on the ‘must see’ list for visitors to the city. Some have become the focus for irrational customs, such as rubbing the nose of Greyfriars Bobby for luck. Many provide ideal lookout posts for gulls, pigeons or crows. But a concern frequently raised is the virtual absence of memorials to the many women who are undoubtedly deserving of recognition. In fact the city has far more statues of animals than women – surely a state of affairs which needs to be redressed.