Edinburgh Castle, Scotland Formidable‐‐According to Merriam‐Webster: "causing fear, dread or apprehension; having qualities that discourage approach or attack and tending to inspire awe or wonder." When my wife and I looked outside of our hotel window when we arrived in Edinburgh, Scotland, formidable was a term that came to mind when we saw Edinburgh Castle for the first time. Afterall, it is Scotland's world‐famous tourist attraction and in a World Heritage site that is very pleasing and accessible with its expansive transportation system. One cannot miss this castle; it is atop the Royal Mile on Castle Hill. In fact, if you go to Edinburgh's park away from downtown, one cannot miss the castle when looking toward the city. The oldest part of Edinburgh Castle is St. Margaret's Chapel. It dates from the 12th century situated on Castle Rock. It was formed by a volcanic eruption millions of years ago. There are legends associated with the rock and can be further studied from our sources below. The political importance of the Edinburgh Castle is well known. Queen Margaret and Donald III lived and died there. The conflict between the English and the Scots seems to have centered on Edinburgh Castle. It was a strategic stronghold and its history is replete with sieges. Several battles have taken place in this part of the country and capturing the castle was the main purpose. In 1571, the English laid siege for over two years and a surrender did take place under the rule of Mary Queen of Scots. Other conflicts took place. The last major attempt to recapture the castle was in 1757, but the English retained control and that is why Scotland is part of Great Britain. The conflicts have caused the castle to be rebuilt several times. Other issues confronted the people of Edinburgh. During the 17th century the bubonic plague, typhus and cholera were caused due to unsanitary conditions. At one point it was known to have been "the most unsanitary town in Europe." The change came with the plans of the New Town, designed by James Craig, who realized that the unification of 1707 between Scotland and England did not require a walled city. <introducingedinburgh.com> Considered the "best defended fortress in Scotland," Edinburgh has some other interesting facts. According to The Scotsman: Castle Rock has been inhabited for 2,865 years and counting; witches were burnt at the stake under King James V; American prisoners were held here between 1776 and 1781; the crown jewels were lost in the castle for over a century; there is a legend that University of Edinburgh students who pass through the castle gates will fail their final exam; and other interesting stories. The city lies on the east coast of Scotland on the south bank of Firth of Forth, an estuary that opens to the North Sea. Edinburgh is known by locals as the Old Town and New Town. The term relates not only to city walls but also historical reforms. Edinburgh has been the capital of Scotland since 1437. It is a city of museums, statues, shops and places to dine and be entertained. Alexander Graham Bell and Arthur Conan Doyle were born in Edinburgh. The origin of Edinburgh is explained below: "The site of the city of Edinburgh was first named as “Castle Rock”. The name “Edinburgh” is rumoured to originate from the old English of “Edwin's fort”, referring to the 7th century King Edwin of Northumbria (and “burgh” means “fortress” or “walled collection of buildings”)" <historic‐uk.com> On 1 July 1999 the Scottish Parliament was officially opened by the Queen and it reconvened after 292 years. The Scots would be able to make their own laws regarding health, education and social care. <introducingedinburgh.com> This photo program will give you a short visual tour, but also provide you with additional photo program articles regarding its history, according to the Castle's own standards inside the Castle. It will also share a visit to Edinburgh's Park just below the Castle. Finally, an article will show the construction of an 8,000 seat grandstand for a once‐a‐year special occasion after which the stadium is dismantled. Other Edinburgh photo programs: Castle History ‐ Tattoo ‐ Parks. Fire Pits Sources: Tour with guides, https://www.visitscotland.com, https://www.merriam‐webster.com/dictionary/formidable, http://www.edinburghcastle.co.uk/history/, https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle‐2‐15039/10‐facts‐you‐may‐not‐know‐about‐edinburgh‐castle‐1‐ 3896061, https://www.exploring‐castles.com/uk/scotland/edinburgh_castle_history/, https://www.historic‐ uk.com/HistoryMagazine/DestinationsUK/Edinburgh/, http://www.localhistories.org/edinburgh.html, https://www.thewitchery.com/dine/history, https://www.introducingedinburgh.com/history, https://inews.co.uk/inews‐lifestyle/travel/edinburghs‐famous‐landmarks‐got‐names/, https://www.list.co.uk/article/32179‐the‐historical‐events‐that‐shaped‐edinburgh/ and https://wikitravel.org/en/Edinburgh. acuri.net John R. Vincenti Edinburgh Castle, Scotland .