This modern bronze statue on a Clashach sandstone plinth depicts David Hume, the Scottish Enlightenment philosopher. Sculpted by Alexander ‘Sandy’ Stoddart and commissioned by the Saltire Society, it was cast at the Powderhall Bronze Foundry and unveiled on St. Andrews Day, 30 November 1997 by Professor Sir Stewart Sutherland, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh.

David Hume was perhaps the most influential figure of the Scottish Enlightenment - philosopher, historian, economist and diplomat. He was born in Edinburgh in 1711. His works include "A Treatise of Human Nature", "An Enquiry concerning Human Understanding", and "An Enquiry concerning the Principles of Morals". He died in 1776 and was buried in Calton Old Burial Ground in the Hume Mausoleum.