Edinburgh Castle
The Crown of Edinburgh:
Scotland’s Greatest Castle Fortress
Rising from a dramatic volcanic crag, Edinburgh Castle commands the city skyline as it has done for nearly a millennium. This formidable stronghold, the most besieged fortress in British history, stands as both a testament to Scotland’s turbulent past and its enduring spirit.
Within its weathered walls lie Scotland’s most precious treasures: the Honours of Scotland—crown, sceptre, and sword of state—survive as Europe’s oldest crown jewels, hidden for centuries to preserve them from English invaders. The Stone of Destiny, used in coronations since time immemorial, rests here after its return from Westminster Abbey in 1996.
Daily life at the castle unfolds with military precision. The One O’Clock Gun booms across the city, continuing a tradition that once helped ships in the Forth set their maritime chronometers. In the castle’s quieter corners, visitors discover unexpected touches of humanity: the officers’ dogs’ cemetery, a poignant reminder of faithful companions laid to rest with full military honours.
From St Margaret’s Chapel—the castle’s oldest building, dating to the 12th century—to the powerful presence of Mons Meg, a medieval siege gun capable of firing 150kg stone balls, every era of Scottish history finds its place here. The Great Hall, with its magnificent hammerbeam roof, speaks of royal gatherings, while the Scottish National War Memorial offers a solemn tribute to fallen warriors.
As you explore, remember: these stones have witnessed the birth of kings, weathered countless sieges, and guarded Scotland’s soul through its darkest hours and greatest triumphs.
