Edinburgh’s Highlights - Discover Scotland: Experience the Best of Scotland - page 112

Need to Know
BEST TIME TO GO Noon (for the 1pm cannon) or two hours before closing. TOP TIP
Buy tickets online to save time. SECRET SPOT The cemetery for officers' dogs! For
more, Click here .
Edinburgh Castle Don't
Miss List
PETER YEOMAN, HISTORIC SCOTLAND'S HEAD OF CULTURAL
RESOURCES
1 HONOURS OF SCOTLAND
The Crown and Sceptre of Scotland and the Sword of State are glittering symbols of
our nationhood. They were first used at the coronation of Mary, Queen of Scots in
1543 when she was only nine months old - Cardinal Beaton had to hold the crown to
her tiny brow! The centuries-old regalia are displayed in the Royal Palace.
2 ST MARGARET'S CHAPEL
The oldest building in the castle is a wee gem, possibly part of a tower-keep built in the
early 12th century to commemorate Scotland's royal saint, who died in the castle in
1093. The chapel's interior is delightfully decorated with fine Romanesque architec-
ture; if you get a peaceful moment you can really connect with the medieval kings who
carried out their private devotions here.
3 MONS MEG
Step outside the chapel to be confronted by the great bombard Mons Meg, gifted to
James II in 1457. This is a great vantage point for the One O' Clock Gun, fired daily
(except Sunday), causing many visitors to jump out of their skins! The views across
the Georgian New Town to the Forth Estuary from here are truly magnificent.