JAMES HUTTON'S EDINBURGH LOCALES

JAMES HUTTON'S MEMORIAL

James Hutton died 26 March 1797 and was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh.

Today, the churchyard is popularly known for "Greyfriars Bobby," who is memorialized outside its gates and immediately within its entrance (#52 and #53 on the map below).

If you go to Greyfriars looking for James Hutton's "grave" (#39), especially "off-season," you are likely to be disappointed because you need a key to gain entry to the secluded South Yard and assistance is not always available (you can telephone ahead at the number listed on the Kirk's web site).

Hutton's original grave site was unmarked; however, a memorial to his memory was unveiled 3 November 1947 on the east wall of the South Yard (a.k.a. the Covenanters Prison) in the small yard of the Balfour family to whom Hutton was related through his mother, Sarah Balfour. A key is needed to enter and take a photograph.

Joseph Black's grave is immediately to the right here; Hutton's memorial is through the gates to the left. The "Covenanters Prison" is labeled "South Yard" on the map above. It is locked to prevent drug-users from hanging out in the small burial yards.

Hutton's memorial is on the left here in the yard of the Balfour family, just beyond the taller facade:

The Balfour family yard:

Detail:

The holy grail . . .

[Photography by K. F. Montgomery.]

HUTTON'S PORTRAIT

If you are interested in viewing Sir Henry Raeburn's classic portrait of Hutton, you need to go to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery at 1 Queen Street (not to be confused with the National Gallery of Scotland on The Mound, below the Castle). In the Portrait Gallery you will also find the two great portraits of David Hume.

HUTTON'S HOUSE

If you are interested in viewing the site of Hutton's  house, you need to go to St Johns Hill -- details are HERE

HUTTON'S SECTION

If you are interested in viewing Hutton's famous Salisbury Crags field site in Edinburgh, details are HERE  and HERE.