Human habitation of the site dates as far back as the 9th C, though the castle's structures are mostly from the 16th C. It is one of the few ancient fortresses that still has a military garrison, albeit for ceremonial purposes, and is the official headquarters of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and 52 Infantry Brigade, as well as home to the regimental museum of the Royal Scots and Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.
There's a great view from the ramparts:
The One O'Clock Gun is fired every day (except Sunday) at precisely 13:00, allowing citizens to check their clocks. Originally to provide sailing ships in the Firth of Forth with a reliable means to check their marine chronometers, the ceremony has become a popular tourist attraction. We crowded around the rain to watch it go off - and you can certainly both hear and feel it.
Gardening of the cliffsides.
The oldest building in Edinburgh is the small St. Margaret's Chapel, from the 12th C. King David I built it as a private chapel for the royal family and dedicated it to his mother, Margaret, who died in the castle in 1093.
This is Connor freezing his nipples off in Crown Square, while we queued to visit the Honours of Scotland. The crown dates from 1540, and is made of Scottish gold set with 94 pearls, 10 diamonds and 33 other precious gemstones. The most treasured possession of Scotland is also located here - the Stone of Destiny (or the Stone of Scone), upon which the monarchs of Scotland are traditionally crowned. It is on permanent loan from Westminster Abbey (except when needed for a coronation). By the time we got in, Connor's nipple was the size of the large Rock Crystal that adorns the top of the sceptre.
I will miss the lovely Scottish food. I never did get to try the battered hamburger patties, frankfurters etc.
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