A historical timeline of one of Scotland's most important castles. Its story is Scotland's story.

A seat of royal power


1494 to 1540
The Sceptre and the Sword of State are presented to James IV by successive popes. The Honours of Scotland are completed when the Crown is made in its present form for James V.

1566
Mary Queen of Scots gives birth in the castle to her only child, the future King James VI of Scotland and I of England.

1571 to 1573
The ‘Lang Siege’, which ends in the destruction of David’s Tower.

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