Old Calton Cemetery

Old Calton Cemetery is an early 18th-century burial ground on Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, and a quiet stop on the way to Calton Hill. Its graves include philosopher David Hume, scientist John Playfair and publisher William Blackwood. Look for the Political Martyrs’ Monument and Scotland’s American Civil War Memorial, which honours Scots who served and died in the war. Information panels help explain the people and events behind the monuments; uneven paths and steps make this a difficult visit for wheelchair users.

A burial ground opened in 1718

Old Calton Cemetery opened in 1718 and became the resting place of thousands of Edinburgh residents. Those buried here include philosopher David Hume, scientist John Playfair, publisher William Blackwood and clergyman Robert Candlish. The cemetery also contains the graves of tradesmen and merchants, as well as artist David Allan and architect Robert Burns.

The graves and monuments vary in condition. Some have weathered until their inscriptions are difficult to make out, while others remain well preserved. Elaborate tombstones and crypts reflect the cemetery’s history as a burial place for Edinburgh’s wealthy.

Monuments to reformers and soldiers

The Political Martyrs’ Monument is an obelisk dedicated to political reformers. Another landmark, Scotland’s American Civil War Memorial, includes a statue of Abraham Lincoln and commemorates Scots who served and died in the war.

Information panels explain the cemetery’s history and the people remembered there. Take time to read them, then continue towards Calton Hill, which is close by. The cemetery is small, but its graves and memorials offer several distinct stories to follow.