EVERY year, six million people climb the 58 steep steps and
stand in awe as they gaze upon the 19ft memorial to the
president who reunited the states of America and abolished
slavery. Abraham Lincoln sits impassive in white marble, staring
out over the Washington Mall, immune to the gawps and gasps of
the tourists. Meanwhile, 3400 miles away, the fortunes of a
similar, if smaller, statue of America’s 16th president,
couldn’t be more different. Almost forgotten, the Lincoln in
Edinburgh’s Old Calton Cemetery stands lonely. No crowds flock
to see the first memorial in Europe built to the great
emancipator; no ceremonies are held to remember what he did – or
the actions of the Scottish soldiers who fought on behalf of his
beloved Union who are also honoured on the memorial. Of course
all that could change after today’s nationwide release of the
new Hollywood blockbuster Lincoln, starring Daniel Day-Lewis and
directed by Steven Spielberg. The film traces one of the
defining moments of Lincoln’s life and America’s