Why does Edinburgh have a One O’clock Gun?
When you visit Edinburgh, listen out for a loud bang at precisely 1 pm. That’s the One O’clock Gun, a time signal which is fired daily, except for Sundays, from Edinburgh Castle. So let’s take a look into this tradition, which dates back to 1861, and the reasons for it…
The Time Ball on Calton Hill
The One O’clock Gun wasn’t the first time signal in Edinburgh. It all started in 1852 with the Time Ball, which was added to the Nelson Monument on Calton Hill. High at the top of the tower on the hill, it was viewable from the ships in the Port of Leith and Firth of Forth. The ball was lowered at 1 pm each day as a visual signal to help ships’ crews synchronise their maritime chronometers, which were crucial for navigation. However, in foggy weather, they couldn’t always see the ball, and so a sound signal was required to work with it.
Introducing the One O’clock Gun
The gun was introduced in 1861, to fire a blank round from Edinburgh Castle at 1 pm, the same time as the Time Ball dropped. This sound signal could be heard through the fog and over long distances, becoming an integral part of maritime operations. The original gun was an 18-pound cannon, which was fired from the Half Moon Battery at the castle.
Continuing the tradition
The cannon has been replaced several times since then, and is now fired from the Mill’s Mount Battery on the north face of the castle. The District Gunner from the 105th Regiment Royal Artillery fires the gun in a ceremonial display that draws crowds each day. And although the original purpose of the gun has diminished with advances in technology, the signal continues to this day for traditions sake.
Where to hear the One O’clock Gun
The best place to hear the gun being fired is from Edinburgh Castle. If you are at the castle around 1 pm, make your way to the marked areas at least 10 minutes before. From here, you can watch and hear as the District Gunner fires the cannon. You will need to pay for admission to the castle for this.
However, the cannon points north towards the ships in the Port of Leith and Firth of Forth, so you may also hear the boom in the streets north of the castle. Particularly if you’re walking along Princes Street or in Princes Street Gardens. You could also look out towards Calton Hill on the city skyline to see the Time Ball drop at the same time.
Remember, the One O’clock Gun is fired daily at 1 pm from Monday to Saturday, but not on Sundays, Good Friday or Christmas Day.
