In 1757 more than 500 Frenchmen, mostly sailors, were jailed in the Castle Vaults beneath the Great Hall. In 1775-1783 during the War of American Independence many Americans, French, Spanish, Dutch and Irish were jailed in the dungeons for their involvement. The first time members of the General Public were allowed to visit Edinburgh castle was on 26th May 1819. Edinburgh Castle is held in trust for the Scottish Nation by the Secretary of State for Scotland and is cared for by Historic Scotland. The gun used is a Second World War 25-pounder.
Locals use the gun fire to check their watches.
The Edinburgh Military Tattoo began in the summer of 1947. The famous Tattoo has been repeated ever since featuring an evening military display on the Castles' Esplanade.