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The gatehouse was built in 1886–8 more for its looks than functionality. The two bronze statues are of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce (see North and West of Glasgow) . The original entrance was via the formidable Portcullis Gate of around 1574.

This tiny, charmingly simple building is the oldest structure surviving from the medieval castle. Probably built by David I (1124–53) in honour of his sanctified mother, it is still used today, and contains some wonderful stained glass .

The castle’s northern defence offers spectacular views. Don’t miss the One O’Clock Gun, fired here every day except Sunday from a great 25-pounder cannon.

The UK’s oldest crown jewels have lain here since about 1615. However, the fabled Stone of Destiny has been here only since 1996 (see Edinburgh Castle) .

Here in 1566, in a small panelled chamber, Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to James VI, the first king to rule over both Scotland and England.

The outstanding feature of this hall is the hammer-beam roof supported on projecting stone corbels. Take time to study all the enchanting little carvings. Constructed around 1500, this is Scotland’s oldest wooden roof and probably its most magnificent.

A cannon of awesome proportions now sits outside St Margaret’s Chapel. Built in Belgium in 1449, it could fire a 150-kg (330-lb) stone ball over 2 miles (3.5 km) – cutting-edge technology back in the Middle Ages.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, the vaults were used to hold French prisoners. Their graffiti can still be seen, as can the objects they made, such as bone dyes for forging bank notes.

An elegant and beautifully proportioned house. Alas, it can only be viewed from the outside as it is still reserved for ceremonial use.

Here is listed all of Scotland’s war dead since 1914. Exterior carvings include a phoenix, symbol of the surviving spirit.