Pictures taken of and from Edinburgh Castle in the heart of Scotland's Capital City - a fortress which dominates Edinburgh's skyline from its position atop the volcanic Castle Rock.
Human habitation dates back to 9th century BC and there has been a royal castle here since 12th century - it continued to be a royal residence until Union of the Crowns in 1603. From 15th C the castle's residential role declined, and by 17th C its principal role was as a military base As an historic monument it's importance was recognised from 19th C. As one of the most important fortresses in Scotland, the Castle was involved in many historical conflicts, from the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th century, up to the Jacobite Rising of 1745, and has been besieged, both successfully and unsuccessfully, on several occasions.
Few of the present buildings pre-date the Lang Siege of the 16th century, when the medieval fortifications were largely destroyed by artillery bombardment: Notable exceptions are St Margaret's Chapel, the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh, dating from early 12th century, the Royal Palace, and the early-16th-century Great Hall. The castle also houses the Honours of Scotland, the Scottish National War Memorial, and the National War Museum of Scotland.
Edinburgh Castle is owned by the Scottish Government and most of the site is in the care of Historic Scotland. It is Scotland's most-visited paid tourist attraction, with over 1.3 million visitors in 2011. The Army are responsible for some parts of the castle and as the backdrop to the annual Royal Edinburgh MIlitary Tattoo it has become an iconic symbol of Edinburgh and of Scotland.