It is immediately apparent why the castle was of strategic importance during Scotland's wars of independence. There has been a fortress on this site since at least AD 600. The Scots are extremely proud of their heritage, turbulent though it was. For every Scotsmen, the castle represents a very public reminder of their deep roots. Though the castle is a historic monument, it is also a working military establishment, as the headquarters of the Scottish Division.
Armed soldiers man the main gate, but their most frequent duty seems to be posing for the camera.
A memorable site within the castle grounds is the dogs' cemetery, a small grassy area set aside for the burial of soldiers' pets. The diminutive tombstones are obviously tended with great devotion. A tradition closely bound to Greyfriars Bobby and Edinburgh castle is the firing of the one o'clock gun. The legend tells of a sea captain who visited Edinburgh back in the 1860's. When he returned home, he reported that he had just seen a wonderful city, full of splendid buildings and monuments, where wise men and lovely ladies lived and where science was studied.