Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 14 on 2/5/2004.

This article is 52 months old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements.

On the hunt for history

Many of Scotland's historical sites are worth a visit, but whatif you had to pick a select few? David Gordon tries to do just that

Aguide to historical buildings would not be complete without mentioning a certain national symbol situated on a hill in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Castle is the most visited attraction in Scotland. The oldest building within the castle walls is St Margarets Chapel, which dates back to the 1100s.

The castle was once a prison for sailors in the 18th and 19th centuries. A new exhibition, housed in the vaults, tells the story of the prison which held, among others, many crewmen who once sailed with John Paul Jones, founder of the American Navy. Graffiti painted on the walls of the vault by the prisoners is now on display and can be viewed as part of the vaults tour. Guns are also an attraction at the castle.

Many Edinburgh residents set their watches by the daily firing of the One O’clock Gun on the ramparts and many ensure they catch sight of the giant mediaeval cannon, Mons Meg.

(Historic Scotland. Open all year/ seven days a week. Adult admission £9.50)

Whilst on the topic of castles, one of Scotland’s grandest is the imposing and famous example at Stirling.

Stirling Castle towers over some of the country’s important battlefields, including Stirling Bridge and Bannockburn. Once renowned for the assassinations, kidnappings and imprisonments that occurred within its walls, it is said that some of those who suffered all those years ago still like to make their presence felt to today’s visitors.

Perhaps the spirits of the past are not that enamoured by the extensive refurbishment.....

To read the rest of this article you can buy this issue or subscribe to Scotland Magazine to have every issue delivered direct to your door.

By David Gordon

Section : Scotland's Heritage

Page number : 32