Standing high above the city, Edinburgh Castle is a magnificent sight. Not only is it a historic monument but also a working military establishment where the Scottish Division headquarters are based.

Archaeological evidence suggests that the first settlers on this volcanic hill, then surrounded by forest, were Bronze Age around 1000BC. Even these early settlers recognised the strategic significance of this commanding and defendable site.

By the middle ages this had developed into a mighty fortification and royal residency.

Throughout the ages the castle was continually besieged, held by the English as well as the Scottish, but always to rise again. Badly damaged many times this why the castle now hosts such a mix of architectural styles.

The oldest surviving part of the castle is a tiny Norman chapel built in the 12th century. Named St.Margaret's chapel after the saintly wife of Malcolm III, it can still be used today by the garrison for weddings.

Crown Square, the principle courtyard, was developed in the 15th century.

The Great Hall, with ornate hammerbeam roofing, which was built by James IV in 1510 holds a fine collection of armour and weapons.

Nearby is the Scottish National War Museum, designed by Sir Robert Lorimer, after the First World War.

Not only was the castle of great importance during Scotland's Wars of Independence but it was also the seat of the Scottish Kings.

You can still see the little room in the Royal Apartments where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to her son James who would eventually become James VI of Scotland and James I of England.

Within the royal apartments is a permanent exhibition. A series of tableaux depicting key events in Scottish history.

Among the other things to see at the castle are its eerie vaults, the Scottish United Services Museum, a gallery in hospital square, the Witches Well (where women were burned for witchcraft), Mons Meg ( a 15th century cannon ), a little cemetery towards the summit of the castle where the garrison bury their pets, and of course the Crown room where you can see the Scottish crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

The castle offers a spectacular view of Edinburgh city and the surrounding area.

For three weeks in August each year the Castle Esplanade is the venue of the world-famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo, when the Scottish regiments host a lively programme of military music, marching and historical re-enactments under floodlights before large and appreciative audiences from all over the world.

DATES: 3rd - 25th August 2007

SCOTTISH KINGS & QUEENS

THE ONE O'CLOCK GUN

VIEWS FROM THE CASTLE