Perched on an extinct volcano, this instantly recognisable fortress is a powerful national symbol and part of Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site. Its story is Scotland's story.

Bronze statue of Robert the Bruce at the entrance to Edinburgh Castle © Historic Scotland

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Castle through the ages

Portrait of Mary Queen of Scots & James VI. Used with kind permission from the collection at Blair Castle, Perthshire
Defining events of Edinburgh Castle, view timeline.
Gilded panel bearing the date 1566 and the entwined initials MAH, for Mary Queen of Scots and Henry (Lord Darnley), James VI's parents © Historic Scotland
A major visitor attraction and part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site, read more about the castle.

Did you know

Stone corbel of a lion's head supporting the hammerbeam roof in the Great Hall © Historic Scotland
Interesting facts about the castle you may not know...castle secrets revealed.

Who looks after the castle?

Edinburgh Castle is run and cared for by Historic Scotland, a Scottish Government agency.

Holding the key to the nation's historic environment, Historic Scotland cares for more than 345 properties.

Read more about Historic Scotland