Ann our local guide was absolutely brilliant. The stories, the history, the funny quotes gave us a glimpse of the city she loves and calls home.
We walked up the mile street hill with street sights used in the Harry Potter movies.
No climbing the walls here…
The city was alive with visitors and tours and an abundance of music in the streets
“What’s up with the cones?” we asked, just local hooligans having fun
On to the Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe. With a long rich history as a royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress, it is alive with many exciting tales. When you climb Castle Hill, you will walk in the footsteps of soldiers, kings and queens – and even the odd pirate or two.
Though parts of it remain in military use, the castle is now a world-famous visitor attraction. It’s also an iconic part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site.
Set upon its mighty rock, Edinburgh Castle’s strategic advantage is clear. Seeing the site’s military potential, Iron Age people built a hill fort on the rock. Early medieval poetry tells of a war band that feasted here for a year before riding to their deaths in battle.
As well as guarding great moments in history, the castle has suffered many sieges. During the Wars of Independence it changed hands many times. In 1314, the Scots retook the castle from the English in a daring night raid led by Thomas Randolph, nephew of Robert the Bruce.
The castle defences have evolved over hundreds of years. Mons Meg, one of the greatest medieval cannons ever made, was given to King James II in 1457. The Half Moon Battery, built in the aftermath of the Lang Siege of 1573, was armed for 200 years by bronze guns known as the Seven Sisters. Six more guns defend the Argyle Battery, with its open outlook to the north
City views from the top
The canon is fired every day at 1:00
An amazing city with long history , more to explore tomorrow.
We’ll leave you with the quote of the day from Mary…
“The Scotsman who loved his wife so much he almost told her”
