THE EDINBURGH CASTLE

Your trip to Edinburgh isn’t complete without a visit to the Edinburgh Castle, Scotland’s most visited paying tourist attraction; it offers an overwhelmingly spectacular view of the city apart from a glimpse into Scotland’s heritage.

Castle Rock

The Carboniferous volcanic plug 133m tall on which majestically stands Edinburgh Castle is called Castle Rock. With settlements since the 2nd century AD, it is one of the seven hills of Edinburgh, often compared with Athens (others are Arthur's Seat, Blackford Hill, the Braid Hills, Calton Hill, Corstorphine Hill and the Craiglockhart Hills).

Subsequent to action of glaciers its formation is what is described geologically as a crag-and-tail feature.

EXPLORING EDINBURGH CASTLE

Perched high upon an extinct volcano, amassed over one thousand years of history this impressive monument houses a few jewels worth exploring.

St Margaret's Chapel

Positioned on the highest point of Castle Rock and in the very centre of Edinburgh Castle it is the oldest building in Edinburgh. Simple and small in design (5m by 3m), it is a charming example of Norman architecture.

Dedicated to St. Margaret wife of King Malcolm III, legend has it she may herself have once worshipped there.

Scottish Crown Jewels in the Crown Room

Also known as "The Honours of Scotland" the Scottish crown jewels comprise of a crown, sword and sceptre. Under the Treaty of Union in 1707, which united the Scottish and English parliaments Scotland's crown jewels were retained in Edinburgh castle.

• he crown made in 1540 from gold melted down from the previous one, with additional gold, precious stones and pearls it was first used at the coronation of King James V ‘s second queen, Mary of Guise (mother of Mary Queen of Scots).
• The Sword was presented to King James IV in 150 by Pope Julius II (created by Italian craftsman, Domenico da Suttri).
• The Scepter, oldest of the crown jewels was made in 1494 and presented to King James V by Pope Alexander VI.

All three crown jewels were first used together at the coronation King James V’s infant daughter Mary Queen of Scots at Stirling castle in 1543.

Stone of Destiny

Housed beside the other Honours of Scotland in Edinburgh Castle is the Stone of Destiny, on which generations of Scottish kings had been crowned since the times of the Kingdom of Dalriada in the 9th century. The prized relic taken from Scone by King Edward I of England in 1296 was finally returned to Scotland from Westminster Abbey in 1996.

Legend has it that the Stone of Destiny was used as a pillow by Jacob in biblical times.

The Stone of Destiny is to be temporarily replaced under the Coronation Throne at Westminster Abbey in the event of a future coronation of a British monarch.

Other Attractions In The Castle

The Scottish National War Memorial designed by Robert Lorimer and enclosed within a Hall of Honour, the National War Museum of Scotland, dungeons and military prison. (Also visit the Prisoners of War Exhibition).

Times to visit

The Castle is open to tourists all year round. Open from 9.30am to 6.00pm from April 1st to October 31st, and from 9.30am to 5.00pm from November 1st to March 31st. Admission fees is £11.00 for adults.

Tip

Don’t miss the One O’ Clock Gun fired daily (except Sundays) since 1861 from Mills Mount Battery, a fascinating display on the history of guns and timekeeping.

THE ROYAL MILE

The first houses in Edinburgh were built on the area in front of Edinburgh Castle, now known as the Lawnmarket. The settlements continued down High Street and The Cannongate towards the Royal Palace of Holyrood House. The Castlehill, Lawnmarket, Canongate, the Abbey Strand and the High Street are collectively known as known as The Royal Mile.

It acquired its name over time as Scottish and English Kings and Queens and other royalty, traveled to and fro between the Palace of Holyrood House and Edinburgh Castle, a stretch that runs exactly for a mile; hence the name The Royal Mile.

CANNONBALL HOUSE

A 15th Century tenement house at the top end of the Royal Mile is the Cannonball House and draws its name from the cannon-ball which can be seen embedded in the west wall.

The legendary tale is that while the castle was under siege by the Jacobites in 1745 a canon was fired towards the Palace of Holyrood House, where Prince Charlie had taken abode.

Quelling the myth however is that it was put there by engineers to indicate the gravitational height of the piped water-supply for the old town brought from Comiston Hill to the original Castlehill Reservoir

The famous cobbled passes several museums and historic sites of interest like St. Giles High Kirk, John Knox House, The Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre, Camera Obscura and others.

THE PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE

At the end of the famed Royal Mile stands The Palace of Holyroodhouse initially founded as an Augustian monastery by King David I of Scotland nearly 900 years ago and later rebuilt by James V of Scotland to include a large tower and a new west front.

It was to become the home to his daughter, Mary, Queen of Scots, and the stage for several stirring and tragic events including the murder of her secretary, David Rizzio in 1566 (don’t miss the brass plaque pointing out the blood David Rizzio spilled in Holyrood).

After the Civil War it was rebuilt yet again by Charles II after the Civil War, transforming it to a splendid example of baroque architecture and interior decoration.

It played a significant role in Scotland’s history from being the Edinburgh headquarters of Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745 to being a sanctuary for the future Charles X of France after the French Revolution of 1789, and now as The Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh.

The palace and the adjacent The Queen’s Gallery also contain a noteworthy part of the Royal Collection, paintings and several works of art for you to admire. Since it is a working royal palace, opening arrangements may change at short notice.

ST. GILES' CATHEDRAL

The historic City Church of Edinburgh also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh stands proud on the Royal Mile between the Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, famous amongst other things for its eminent crown spire.

The Mother Church of Presbyterianism it encloses the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle (Scotland's chivalric company of knights headed by the Queen).

Legend has it that Giles was accidentally wounded by a huntsman in pursuit of a hind and, and subsequent to his death in the early 8th century, several hospitals and safe houses for cripples, beggars and lepers were established throughout England and Scotland and dedicated to him.

St Giles is usually depicted protecting a hind from an arrow, which had pierced his own body, (can be seen in the tympanum over the west main doors of the Cathedral.)

THE JOHN KNOX HOUSE

This historically notable house in Edinburgh is located in The Netherbow, the halfway point in the Royal Mile. Dating back to 1470 it was the home of James Mosman, goldsmith to Mary Queen of Scots. Its reputation however was derived from being the residence of the 16th century Protestant Reformer John Knox.

CAMERA OBSCURA

With fascinating panoramic views of Edinburgh, The Camera Obscura (and Outlook Tower) is situated on Castlehill, Royal Mile.

Enjoy the amazing Rooftop Views, spy on passers-by in the streets below or amuse yourself with amazing optical illusions. If that wasn’t enough witness The Light Fantastic, an incredible hologram display and Edinburgh Vision, 3D cityscapes and live city view cams which you control.

SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT

Opposite Holyrood Palace and at the foot of the Canongate stands the The New Scottish Parliament Building. Set among welcome public gardens is architecturally dramatic, is this recent addition to the skylines of the Old Town.

Selected by means of a design competition in 1998 the winner – Catalan architect Enric Miralles designed the building. He also imaginatively integrated Queensberry House, another exceptional monument into the overall design scheme.

The final costs spiraled to an astounding £431 million before its completion and opening by the Queen on 9th October 2004, three years longer than planned.

PRINCES GARDENS

Swathing through the centre of Edinburgh along Princes street are the marvelous Princes Gardens. Along the south side of Princes Street, within the gardens are several statues and monuments such as the Scott Monument , sculpture of notable figures like explorer David Livingstone, publisher Adam Black and essayist Professor John Wilson. It also houses the Ross Fountain installed in West Princes Street Gardens in 1872.

The Floral Clock

Created with thousands of varieties of flowers and is re-created every year designed to venerate special occasions this working Clock is the oldest in the world. It also has a cuckoo which calls each hour.

Ross Bandstand

In the West Princes Street Gardens with the Edinburgh in the backdrop is this open-air theatre first built in 1877 and gifted to the city by William Henry Ross Chairman of the Distillers Company Ltd.

The Bandstand and terraced area developed in 1935 has been host to many rock, pop and brass bands, plays, orchestras and classical concerts over the years including the annual Edinburgh International Festival Fireworks Concert in August, free Festival Fringe events, ceilidhs, free jazz during the jazz festival, a concert at Hogmanay, and a range of other major events.

Scott Monument

Commemorating the work of Sir Walter Scott this 200 feet 6 inches high sandstone gothic tower built in 1844, the top spire offers spectacular views of Edinburgh.

Under the huge arches you’ll find seated a solid marble statue of Sir Walter Scott with his beloved dog ' Maida' carved by sculptor John Steell.