No matter from which direction one approaches Edinburgh Castle, perched on top of the plug of an extinct volcano, it is an impressive sight towering high above this cosmopolitan city and dominating the capital's skyline just as it has dominated Scotland's long and colourful history.

The Castle has had a rich and chequered history as both stronghold and the seat of kings comprises, which is reflected in its variety of architecture. The earliest building is St Margaret's Chapel, Edinburgh's, which dates from the twelfth century. Crown Square, (the principal courtyard), was developed in the 15th century and the Great Hall was built by James IV. Little wonder that it is the best known and most visited site in Scotland.

Views from the Castle are breath-taking. To the north lies the New Town, beyond what was once the Nor’ Loch: it was drained and reclaimed so that today it is where Waverley Station with its busy railway lines lie. The port of Leith on the shores of the Firth of Forth, across which one can see the Kingdom of Fife.

At the foot of the Castle, close in against its rocky crags lies the Old Town, an area rich in history. Street names such as Grassmarket and Cowgate give the visitor a hint of former activities: today the area teems with young people frequenting the street cafes and pubs, which gives the area an almost continental atmosphere.