Edinburgh’s historic Nelson Monument on Calton Hill vandalised by pro-Palestine group
A campaign group has taken responsibility for the action.
The centuries-old Nelson Monument on Edinburgh’s iconic Calton Hill has been vandalised by protesters in support of pro-Palestine activists taking part in a hunger strike.
Images show parts of the famous monument and the front entrance doused in red paint.
Several slogans including “support the hunger strikers” and “Free Palestine” can be seen painted on the walls and in the surrounding area.
The windows and a nearby bench were also painted in the attack. A source also claimed the vandals had damaged the electrical supply from outside the building.
The group “Justice for the hunger strikers” have claimed responsibility for the vandalism in an email sent to the media.
A spokesperson said the group had struck in the early hours of Saturday morning.
They also claimed responsibility for the desecration of a statue of Queen Victoria in Sheffield in the same 24 hour period.
The protesters claimed their actions were taken in support of six hunger strikers in British prisons who are awaiting trial for alleged offences relating to Palestine Action.
It has not yet been confirmed whether the vandalism has been removed.
However, Culture Edinburgh, who manages and cares for the monument, said on its website: “Due to unforeseen circumstances the Nelson Monument will be closed until further notice.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and hope to welcome you back soon.”
Trust ‘dismayed’ by damage
The Chair of the Calton Hill Conservation Trust said there was “no reason” for the monument to have been targeted.
They said: “The Trust were dismayed to see the damage to the Nelson Monument.
“This building belongs to the Common Good, which is the property of the people of Edinburgh. It is our heritage. It doesn’t belong to the UK government.
“There is no reason why it should be targeted. Earlier this year, the Trust supported measures to prevent Edinburgh Parks being used for arms testing by companies connected to Israel.
“That remains our position.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We received a report of damage to a monument in the Calton Hill area of Edinburgh which is believed to have happened between 5pm on Friday, 19 December, and 9am on Saturday, 20 December, 2025.
“Officers are carrying out enquiries to establish the full circumstances.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact us via 101 quoting reference 1119 of December 20.”
Nelson Monument was designed by architect Robert Burn and built between 1807 and 1815 to commemorate Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson’s victory at Trafalgar in 1805 - a decisive battle in the Napoleonic Wars.
It is said to resemble an upturned telescope.
The monument’s viewing platform offers panoramic views of the city extending as far as the Queensferry Crossing, the Bass Rock, Fife and the Pentland Hills.
Edinburgh City Council has been contacted for comment.