One of the highlights of visiting Edinburgh is making the trek to the west up the Royal Mile and hiking the remainder of the climb up to Edinburgh Castle.

There has been a royal presence there since the 1100’s and much back and forth struggle between both the Catholic and Protestant faiths amongst the Scottish and also with the English for control of this strategic high ground on Castle Rock. The rock is a enormous mountain of volcanic basalt rock that towers above the city.

The Esplanade at the east side of the castle is a large open piazza where groups congregate before entering the complex and where the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is held each August. Two large cranes were in the process of disassembling the large temporary grandstands as we passed through on the way to the gate. And yes, there is a drawbridge to cross!

After passing over the drawbridge and the main gate there is another gate to negotiate.

And then another…with some very large pointy spikes at the bottom of the substantial iron gate.

The castle was built for defense, but it has also been a royal residence, birthplace of a king, mint, garrison, hospital, chapel, prison, state reception hall, National War Museum and the safekeeping place of the Honours of Scotland, the crown, scepter and the sword of state. You join the queue to enter and pass through the safe where they are locked away (no photos or video please…)

The reception hall (Great Hall) has been restored, but was also converted into a three-story barracks for about 300 soldiers following Oliver Cromwell’s seizure of the castle in 1650.

And it wouldn’t really be much of a great hall without rows and racks of swords, pikes, axes and armor.

And the castle would not be defensible without stout ramparts and multiple cannon.

There are projecting garrison observation posts along the projecting points of the walls, to keep an eye out for uninvited visitors.

We can all slumber peacefully at night knowing there will be a trained observer keeping watch at the Queens Post.

Cheers all! Slàinte Mhath!