Edinburgh has been inhabited since 1500 BC, which makes it, one the longest continuously inhabited places in northern Europe. The city was established as Scotland's capital by the end of the 15th century.

Everywhere you look in Edinburgh you will see history, art, culture and beauty. It has many art galleries, museums and theatres and a year-round calendar of festivals. Edinburgh city is a World Heritage Site with its medieval Old Town, 12th century castle and 18th century Georgian New Town. There are also a large number of green areas and parklands.

Edinburgh Castle, perched high on its volcanic rock, looks down on the twisting medieval lanes of the Old Town, and is the focal point of the city. Explore inside its massive walls and see the sumptuous staterooms, the crown jewels and the great Stone of Destiny. Time your visit so you hear the 1o'clock gun salute, which is fired each day (except Sunday) from the ramparts. From here you can follow the Royal Mile, an ancient cobbled road which leads to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Along the way there are souvenir shops in which to buy the famous tartan and many attractions to visit including: the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre; Gladstone's Land, a magnificent 17th century house, and the High Kirk of St Giles, whose beautiful crown-shaped spire is an Edinburgh landmark. When the Royal Family are not in residence the Palace of Hoyroodhouse opens its doors and allows visitors a fascinating look inside the elegant state rooms and the historic apartments, where tragic Mary Queen of Scots witnessed the murder of her lover.

William Wallace
Sir William Wallace of Elerslie, hero of Scotland and true patriot, his desire for peace and freedom united the clans, gained the loyalty of the people, struck fear into his enemies and defied the cruel hand of an evil, waring and invading King - Edward 'Longshanks' Plantagenet I of England.

Robert the Bruce
The Scottish hero Robert the Bruce then led a second War of Independence in 1306, with the Scots achieving victory over the English at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. In 1328 the Treaty of Edinburgh was signed by Robert I of Scotland and Edward III of England, which recognised Scotland's independence.

Mary Queen of the Scots
Mary Stuart was born at Linlithgow Palace on 7th December 1542, the daughter of James V of Scotland and Mary of Guise. Six days after her birth her father died, and she became Queen of Scotland. From her infancy, Scotland's rival pro-English and pro-French factions plotted to gain control of Mary. Her French mother was chosen as regent, and she sent Mary to France in 1548. Mary lived as part of the French royal family. In April 1558 she married the Dauphin Francis; she secretly agreed to bequeath Scotland to France if she should die without a son. In July 1559 Francis succeeded his father becoming King Francis II and Mary became Queen of France as well as of Scotland.

In addition, many Roman Catholics recognised Mary Stuart as Queen of England after Mary I died and the Protestant Elizabeth I succeeded her to the throne in November 1558. Mary Stuart's claim to the English throne was based on the fact that she was the grand-daughter of Margaret Tudor, sister of Henry VIII--Elizabeth's father. To the Roman Catholics, Mary's claim appeared stronger than Elizabeth's because they viewed Henry's marriage to Anne Boleyn as illegal. Mary's young husband Francis II died in December 1560 after a reign of 17 months. Mary, who was about to become 18 years of age, was left in a difficult position. Unwilling to stay in France and live under the domination of her mother-in-law Catherine De Medicis she decided to return to Scotland and take her chances with the Protestant reformers.

Today
In more recent years, Edinburgh is once again playing a central role in Scottish history. When Tony Blair's Labour government was elected in 1997, there were renewed demands that Scotland should have its own parliament, and that it should be held in Edinburgh.

As a result, after nearly 300 years of English domination, Edinburgh is set once more to be Scotland's political centre - ensuring its continuing significance in Scottish, and British, history