6 Places in Edinburgh - Then and Now

In the modern era, ancient places keep fascinating people, standing as a testimony of the past and helping us connect with it. In this article, you will find out why a royal palace is named after a vision of King David I, how Mary, Queen of Scots witnessed a crime in her private apartments, a fascinating story of inheritance and so much more.

Edinburgh Castle is a collection of buildings sitting in a fortress, dominating the landscape of the city from its position on Castle Rock.

Rachel Pickering, Senior Cultural Resources Advisor at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe, with its origins dating back to prehistory, and has a long rich history as a royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress. The Castle is home to Edinburgh’s oldest building – St Margaret’s Chapel – built in the 1100s in honour of Queen Margaret (d. 1093)."

When you climb Castle Hill, you will walk in the footsteps of soldiers, kings and queens.

Rachel Pickering also said: “Edinburgh Castle fell out of use as a royal residence from the late 1500s and over the following centuries it became much more important as a military base. Following the Lang Siege of 1571-1573, the castle’s military strength was repaired and enhanced, with the construction of the iconic Half Moon Battery."

"Edinburgh Castle has served as a residence, stronghold, treasury, barracks, prison, and much more – today it is a symbol of the nation and a top visitor attraction.”

The castle is today considered a symbol of Scotland, as many people from around the world come to explore it every year.

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions was founded by entrepreneur Maria Theresa Short in 1835 and it is linked to an interesting story of inheritance.

In 1827 Maria Theresa returned from the West Indies claiming to be the daughter of Thomas, son of scientific instrument makers from Edinburgh. She claimed his Great Telescope for her inheritance. She set up a Popular Observatory, which she opened in a wooden hut on Carlton Hill. The observatory has been pulled down in 1851 following continuous disagreements with the local council.

With the help of sponsors, Maria added an extra two floors and a viewing platform with a dome housing a camera obscura.

Claire Riddoch, Marketing Manager, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, says: "Due to the age of the building and it’s history, the building has listed status, meaning that no significant building changes can be made. The majority of the building at the site currently is the original building, with the only improvements being made to make the structure safe and accessible.

Around 2010 the company acquired part of the building next door, which was previously a Ragged School. The buildings were joined together, allowing additional space for the attraction Camera Obscura & World of Illusions to grow."

With its six floors of interactive exhibitions, the tower is still open to the public, making it the oldest purpose-built attraction in the city.