![](http://curiousedinburgh.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BurnsMon-whole01.jpg)
Burns Monument
Burns Monument, 1759 Regent Rd, Edinburgh EH7
The idea to erect a monument to Burns was first proposed by John Forbes-Mitchell of Thainstone, Aberdeen, in Bombay in 1812. Expatriates raised a ‘considerable sum’ (£27,500, 2018 prices) and John raised more when he was back in Britain. A committee was formed with the Duke of Atholl as Chair, in 1819 at the London Freemason’s Tavern. Three of its members made their money in India: George Elphinstone, 1st Viscount Keith; Charles Forbes, head of Forbes & Co. of Bombay; and his relative, John Forbes-Mitchell. Thomas Hamilton, the architect, also designed the Alloway Burns Monument and the Royal High School (opposite).
![Inside the Burns Monument.](http://curiousedinburgh.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/NT-BurnsMon-inside.jpg)
Inside the Burns Monument.
![The original Burns Statue by Flaxman, now in the Portrait Gallery in Queen Street.](http://curiousedinburgh.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Robert_Burns_statue_by_John_Flaxman.jpg)
The original Burns Statue by Flaxman, now in the Portrait Gallery in Queen Street.
![John Forbes-Mitchell of Thainstane, 1820s.](http://curiousedinburgh.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/John_Forbes_Mitchell_NGA.jpg)
John Forbes-Mitchell of Thainstane, 1820s.
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