The Scotsman Steps

Built in 1899 to service the old Scots Baronial Headquarters of the Scotsman newspaper, this entrance at one time was the place where the vans queued up to take away the Scotsman and Evening News.   It had degenerated into a locus for anti-social behaviour and a popular local urinal.   In 2011 that all changed.   


Marble in shades of pink, cream, grey, green, and blue from countries including Italy, India, Turkey, China, and Croatia cover the steps. Some of the marble is mottled, patterned, and lined, some almost monochrome. The glazed brick lining the curved walls has been cleaned, the stonework repointed, and the wire mesh where rubbish was once stuffed has been removed from the windows. New lights have been fitted, giving everything a soft, Renaissance glow.  Gates now close off the stairs overnight.


The Scotsman has long gone to a modern building nearby.   The hotel went into liquidation in July 2016.     But the steps have a new lease of life - all 104 of them.