Edinburgh Castle sits on an extinct volcano some 270 feet above the town. There is archaeological evidence of human existence on this spot in the Bronze Age, about 1,000 BC. The more modern history of the castle began when King Malcolm III and Queen Margaret (later Saint Margaret) built a lodge here in 1070. She later died 1093 in the chapel that still exists today. She died of grief from hearing of the death of her husband and son in the battle at Ainwick.

King David II returned from English captivity in 1356 to marked the beginning of two hundred years of building. Today it is a rich architectural mixture of palace, fortress, barracks, chapel and war memorial.

Through the centuries, the castle was besieged many times, held by the English as well as by the Scots, and practically demolished more than once. It saw the Romans besieging Angles, the birth of James VI (the king who would unite nations), Oliver Cromwell's attacks and the Jacobite Risings. Its very existence encapsulates the stormy and bloody history of Scotland.

The visitor may see the Scottish Crown Jewels as well as many other historic exhibits when they visit this historic landmark