Only 2 nights. Short train trip from Glasgow allowed early afternoon arrival which gave us time to explore Edinburgh Castle, only a short but challenging steep walk from hotel. The castle dominates the skyline being built in the 12th century reign of David 1. Was used as a royal residence until 1633 and it's principle role became one as a military garrison. This whole period can still be regarded as 'contemporary' as archaeological evidence established human activity on and around the site from as far back as the 2nd century (iron age).
The complex entanglement of Royal lineage over the centuries along with 'clan' and political turmoil and conflict leading to the place of Scotland in the UK is another story. The Castle was besieged 26 times in it's 1100 year history, more than any other place in Britain and the most besieged in the world. Suffice to say, the historical emphasis of the Castle museum celebrates this passage.
The Castle is probably more famous for us as the home of the renowned Edinburgh Military Tattoo, held on the Castle Esplanade, which we see on the tele every Xmas and what better way to open with a photo of the esplanade taken from a perspective not usually seen.
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Section of National War Museum housed in Castle
Castle Interiors
   
Exteriors
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| City views from the Castle walls |
The Royal Mile is the name given to a succession of streets forming the main thoroughfare of the 'Old Town' of the City.
The thoroughfare is aprx. one 'scots mile' and runs downhill from the Castle and Holyrood Palace, home of the Scottish Parliament.
The Royal Mile in Pictures
And a Bonney Wee time was had by all