The Ancient Origins of Castle Rock: From Volcanic Plug to Iron Age Fort
Castle Rock is a volcanic plug formed during the Carboniferous period some 340 million years ago.
In-Depth Articles & Travel Features
Comprehensive guides and historical features written by our independent editorial team
History
Heritage
The Honours of Scotland: Britain's Oldest Crown Jewels
The Scottish Crown Jewels, known as the Honours of Scotland, are the oldest regalia in the British Isles.
Military History
Mons Meg: The Legendary Medieval Siege Cannon
Mons Meg is one of the largest medieval cannons ever made.
Royal History
Mary Queen of Scots and the Birth of James VI
In June 1566, Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to her son James in a small chamber within the Royal Palace.
Architecture
The Great Hall: A Masterpiece of Late Medieval Architecture
Completed around 1511 for King James IV, the Great Hall features one of the finest hammerbeam roofs in Britain.
Culture
The One O'Clock Gun: Edinburgh's Daily Timekeeping Tradition
Every day except Sunday, a cannon is fired from the castle battlements at precisely one o'clock.
Medieval History
The Wars of Independence: Sieges, Raids, and the Bruce Legacy
During the Scottish Wars of Independence, the castle changed hands between Scottish and English forces multiple times.
Military Heritage
Prisoners of War: Life in the Castle Vaults 1757–1814
Between 1757 and 1814, the castle vaults beneath Crown Square held hundreds of prisoners of war.
Sacred Heritage
St Margaret's Chapel: Edinburgh's Oldest Surviving Building
Built around 1130 by King David I in honour of his mother Queen Margaret, this tiny Romanesque chapel is the oldest building in Edinburgh.
Living History
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo: A World-Famous Spectacle
Every August, the Castle Esplanade transforms into the stage for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Exploration
Walking the Royal Mile: From Castle to Palace
The Royal Mile stretches approximately one mile from the castle gates downhill to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Travel Planning
Getting to Edinburgh: Transport Links and Accessibility
Edinburgh is one of the most accessible cities in the United Kingdom.