Edinburgh Castle, built on the 340 million-year-old remains of an extinct volcano, dominates the skyline of Scotland’s capital city just as it has dominated the country’s history. The ‘stronghold of Eidyn’ was first recorded before 600AD, and by the Middle Ages, it had become a mighty fortification and the favoured residence of Scotland’s kings and queens. In 1140, it became the first recorded meeting place of the assembly now known as the Scottish Parliament. And in 1566, it was the birthplace of the only child of Mary Queen of Scots; a son who grew up to unite the crowns of Scotland and England. The castle boasts a wealth of attractions including: The Honours of Scotland - the nation’s crown jewels; The Stone of Destiny - the coronation stone of the ancient kings of Scots; The Great Hall, Laich Hall, King’s Dining Room and St Margaret’s Chapel - remarkable medieval rooms and buildings where royalty and great nobles wined, dined and worshipped; The Prisons of War Experience - showing what 18th century prison life was like for military prisoners held here; The National War Memorial - commemorating those who have died in conflict from World War I onwards; Mons Meg - a huge medieval siege gun; The One O’clock Gun - fired daily, except the Sabbath and certain holidays, as a time signal; The Dog Cemetery - the last resting place of regimental mascots and officers’ pets.