EDINBURGH CASTLE
At the centre of the historic heart of Scotland, Edinburgh, you’ll find a castle reminiscent of fairy-tale legend, which has captured the imaginations of millions over the years. Edinburgh Castle is Scotland’s most popular ticketed tourist attraction, and was voted the UK’s top heritage attraction in the British Travel Awards four times in a row. Initially built to function as a fortress atop Castle Rock, rising 130 metres above sea level, the magnificent site offers unparalleled views of the city and surrounding countryside – a boon for both the medieval defenders and the modern visitor.
Protected by formidable castle walls is Edinburgh’s oldest building, St Margaret’s Chapel, named after Scotland’s pious queen consort from 1070-93. It was Margaret’s son, King David I, who built this chapel and the surrounding fort in around 1130. The chapel is one of only a few buildings to survive both Robert the Bruce’s campaign of destruction in the 14th century, and the 1571 Lang Siege – a conflict triggered by the forced abdication and exile of the beloved Mary, Queen of Scots.