Defending the realm

Roy Stevenson explores Edinburgh Castle's remarkable gun batteries and military museums.

Scotland's military tradition is ancient and powerful, an inherent part of its national culture. It goes back centuries to the Scottish clans who preferred to settle their affairs, or defend their country by honest battle when all else failed.

Scottish Regiments, walking steadily into the smoke of battle accompanied by the stirring wail of bagpipes and deep rattle of the snare drums must have looked and sounded fearsome to the enemy. Who cannot be moved by such scenes in war movies such as Waterloo and The Longest Day?

There is nowhere better for a taste of Scotland's proud military history than Edinburgh Castle. Military historians and artillery aficionados will have a feast in this blackened and weathered stone fortress, which houses five gun batteries and three military museums, including the National War Museum of Scotland.

More than a million people visit this towering black and grey stone edifice each year. Perched atop Castle Rock, this ancient fortress dominates Scotland's national heritage as much as it does Edinburgh's skyline. Regarded as Scotland's national symbol, the castle contains the fabled Stone of Destiny. Dating back as early as the ninth century, the current castle's structures were built in the 16th century, with the exception of St Margaret's Chapel, constructed in the 12th century.

History is physically tangible here.

Hundreds of artefacts from times past keep your attention for hours as you wander around the castle's uneven cobblestone courtyards...

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• By : Roy Stevenson
• In : Destinations
• Issue : 46
• Page : 38
• Words : 1,663