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Burns fans to mark monument work Burns fans mark monument revamp
(about 15 hours later)
Robert Burns enthusiasts are to take part in a ceremony to mark the restoration of a monument to the Scottish poet in Edinburgh. Robert Burns enthusiasts have taken part in a ceremony to mark the restoration of a monument to the Scottish poet in Edinburgh.
It will celebrate the £300,000 revamp of the neo-Greek temple on Calton Hill. It celebrated the £300,000 revamp of the neo-Greek temple on Calton Hill.
The foundation stone of the monument, which was designed by Thomas Hamilton, was laid in 1831. It originally contained a statue of Robert Burns.The foundation stone of the monument, which was designed by Thomas Hamilton, was laid in 1831. It originally contained a statue of Robert Burns.
The ceremony comes as about 300 people attend the Robert Burns World Federation's conference in the city. The ceremony came as about 300 people attend the Robert Burns World Federation's conference in the city.
The white marble sculpture of Scotland's bard is now located in the city's National Portrait Gallery.The white marble sculpture of Scotland's bard is now located in the city's National Portrait Gallery.
A fundraising appeal was launched for the restoration of monuments on Calton Hill in 2008, attracting donations from private individuals, business and charitable trusts topping £200,000.A fundraising appeal was launched for the restoration of monuments on Calton Hill in 2008, attracting donations from private individuals, business and charitable trusts topping £200,000.
The quality of the workmanship in repairing and replacing its detailed stone carving is first-class David McDonaldEdinburgh World HeritageThe quality of the workmanship in repairing and replacing its detailed stone carving is first-class David McDonaldEdinburgh World Heritage
Although repairs had been carried out in the past, the Burns Monument's exposed position meant a full restoration was needed, including the replacement of some of the ornate stone carvings and the removal of asphalt from the roof.Although repairs had been carried out in the past, the Burns Monument's exposed position meant a full restoration was needed, including the replacement of some of the ornate stone carvings and the removal of asphalt from the roof.
David McDonald, project manager for Edinburgh World Heritage, said the monument was one of the buildings which gave the city its 'Athens of the North' title.David McDonald, project manager for Edinburgh World Heritage, said the monument was one of the buildings which gave the city its 'Athens of the North' title.
He added: "Its intricate neo-Greek temple design presented a challenge, but the quality of the workmanship in repairing and replacing its detailed stone carving is first-class.He added: "Its intricate neo-Greek temple design presented a challenge, but the quality of the workmanship in repairing and replacing its detailed stone carving is first-class.
"From the monument itself there is also a fantastic view of the city, which surely makes it a perfect venue for future public events.""From the monument itself there is also a fantastic view of the city, which surely makes it a perfect venue for future public events."
The rededication ceremony will be attended by members of the federation, which is holding its annual conference in the city over the weekend. The rededication ceremony was attended by members of the federation, which is holding its annual conference in the city over the weekend.
Culture Minister Michael Russell said: "We have had an incredible Year of Homecoming celebrating Scotland's culture, with Burns at the forefront of these events.Culture Minister Michael Russell said: "We have had an incredible Year of Homecoming celebrating Scotland's culture, with Burns at the forefront of these events.
"The work to repair this monument is another success story in the partnership between Edinburgh World Heritage, Historic Scotland and the City of Edinburgh Council to promote the exceptional history and craftsmanship we have here in our unique capital city.""The work to repair this monument is another success story in the partnership between Edinburgh World Heritage, Historic Scotland and the City of Edinburgh Council to promote the exceptional history and craftsmanship we have here in our unique capital city."