The Scotsman Steps

The Scotsman Steps connect Market Street and Waverley Station with North Bridge, behind the former Scotsman newspaper building in central Edinburgh. Built between 1899 and 1902, the staircase became a permanent artwork by Martin Creed after a restoration project in 2011. Its 104 steps and landings use different marbles from around the world, creating a changing pattern of colours as you climb. From the top, look out over the station and city centre. The steps are uncovered to rain in places and can be dirty, so a daytime visit is the better choice.

A staircase made from 104 marbles

The Scotsman Steps were built between 1899 and 1902 as part of the Scotsman building, once home to the newspaper of the same name. The winding stairwell links Market Street and Waverley Station with North Bridge, joining routes through central Edinburgh.

In 2011, a restoration project connected to the nearby Fruitmarket Gallery commissioned artist Martin Creed to create a permanent public artwork in the staircase. Its 104 different marbles come from around the world. Each step and landing has its own colour, so the pattern changes as you move through the stairwell.

The route and the view

The steps provide a shortcut between Market Street and the station, with North Bridge at the upper end. The staircase also gives you a view over Waverley Station and Edinburgh’s city centre from above. It can be easy to miss, even though it sits close to busy routes in the Old Town.

The steps are a working passage as well as an artwork. They are open around the clock, and their condition can vary. Rain can reach parts of the staircase despite the cover, so the marble may be wet. For a less steep route, take the neighbouring street instead.