"Towering" Enlightenment philosopher David Hume has historic grave restored in Edinburgh

A major project to conserve the mausoleum named after David Hume, the hugely influential 18th century Edinburgh philosopher renowned for his "science of man" hypotheses on human psychology, has been completed in the Scottish capital.

The City of Edinburgh Council and site guardians Edinburgh World Heritage have bolstered Hume's resting place, designed by revered architect Robert Adam, in a £5,000 project to remove vegetation, repair pointing with lime mortar and restore Roman decorative features at the Old Calton burial ground.

"It's particularly pleasing we have secured the necessary funds to conserve his memorial in 2011, the 300th anniversary of his birth," said Councillor Deidre Brock.

"Hume is a towering figure in Scotland's history, enormously respected across the world for his outstanding contributions to philosophy, economics, history and the written word."

A spokesman for Edinburgh World Heritage said the mausoleum "neatly encapsulates Edinburgh's history as a city at the heart of the Enlightenment."

"This sort of conservation work is essential to keep the building in good order for the future, and to encourage more people to appreciate the value of the city's historic graveyards," they added.

Hume's death in 1776 raised public interest because of his alleged atheism. Friends kept watch at the mausoleum for eight days after his burial amid concerns that superstitious or curious citizens would attempt to access his grave.