Mason's Pillars, The Meadows (West), Edinburgh

Mason's Pillars, located in The Meadows, Edinburgh, were designed by Sir James Gowans in 1886. These are a pair of tall octagonal stone pillars, each standing 26 feet high, topped with 7-foot high unicorns that hold metal banners. They are positioned on either side of Melville Drive. The pillars are constructed from 18 courses of stone sourced from 17 different quarries. The bases, center bands, and unicorns are made of red sandstone, while the shafts and caps are primarily yellow freestone. Each pillar features four angular sides that are recessed and panelled, with moulded bases. The center band displays heraldic shields on all four sides, along with panels containing inscriptions at each of the four angles. The caps are adorned with heraldic shields on eight sides. The foundations of the pillars are made of concrete, with depths of 5 feet and 7 feet.