I was very
young when I went to see the Tattoo at Edinburgh
Castle – but I still remember the amazing atmosphere.
The Castle
itself is an incredible historic site.
The earliest part of the Castle is St Margaret's Chapel which dates
right back to around 1130. The Castle is built right on top of a long
extinct volcano.
The Castle
was fought over by the English and the Scots and captured and recaptured
several times.
King James
VI was born in the Castle – his mother was that tragic figure, Mary, Queen of
Scots.
The first
Edinburgh tattoo was held in the Castle in 1950. It was the early 60's when I saw it. I must look out for some TV coverage of
it. It even came to New Zealand in 2000
and is coming back again next year. Your
spine shivers when the tattoo ends with the mournful sound of the lone piper.
Over a
million people visit the Castle each year – perhaps it would be a bit crowded
for me?
How atmospheric!
ReplyDeleteCarole, I was there this spring and it was a busy place. More so than the other castles I went to, but it's worth it. The Honors of Scotland, the crown (the oldest set of jewels in The UK), the sword and the scepter along with the Stone of Scone are kept there under guard on display. Well worth it! Here's an image: http://www.visitscotland.com/cms-images/2x1/about/arts-culture/uniquely-scottish/honours-stone-destiny. I did not get to see the tattoo though. Next time.
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