Scott Monument staff get support after man’s death

The News understands that the man waited for staff at the iconic structure to open the main door just before 9.30am, even though it doesn’t officially open to the public until 10am.

The man then pushed past an employee and made his way up the 287 steps. Emergency services were called to Princes Street at around 9:30am after the fall. The area around the monument was cordoned off by police and the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Princes Street to the east of Frederick Street was completely closed off for around two hours and buses and trams were diverted. A white tarpaulin was erected on the railings between the pavement and the monument while officers carried out investigations before the cordon was removed at around 11.45am.

A police spokeswoman said: “Police were called to Princes Street Gardens after a man was reported to have fallen from the Scott Monument at around 9.30am. The 41-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene and it is believed there are no suspicious circumstances.”

The city landmark is operated by the local authority, which said that there were no security concerns following the death.

A council spokeswoman said: “Our priority is to ensure the safety and welfare of our staff and visitors to the Scott Monument, and we are satisfied that all procedures and precautions were followed correctly. Our thoughts are currently with our staff and with the loved ones of the deceased. Monument workers are being offered counselling and support at this sad and shocking time.”