I love Edinburgh Castle! Wanna know why? Here's 3 reasons.
1. It's located on a volcanic rock. Don't worry. It's intact now. It has always afforded the ultimate safe and defensive position in Edinburgh.
2. Esplanade. At the top of the Royal Mile, in front of the castle, is a long sloping forecourt known as the Esplanade. It is upon this Esplanade that the famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place annually. From the Esplanade may be seen the Half Moon Battery, which is a dominant feature visible in Nasmyth's painting.
3. Edinburgh's fortress as a centre of military activity.
As an ancient fortress Edinburgh Castle is one of the few that still has a military garrison, albeit for ceremonial purposes. Nevertheless, the Castle continues to have a strong connection with the Army. Sentries still stand watch at the castle gatehouse between 6pm and 9am, with responsibility for guarding the Honours of Scotland.
