Who lives in Edinburgh Castle?
Updated: 20 Dec 2024
Edinburgh Castle is a tourist attraction owned by Ministers of the Scottish Government and operated by Historic Scotland. It is also the Headquarters of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. It has had many occupants over the centuries, from kings and queens to members of the army…
Royal residents of Edinburgh Castle
In around 900 BC the first settlers arrived on Castle Rock, but the oldest parts of the castle that remain today were built in the 12th century. For hundreds of years, the site was used as a royal residence.
One of the castle’s earliest recorded occupants was St Margaret, who died there in 1093, just days after receiving news of her husband Malcolm III’s death in battle. Her son David I had St Margaret’s Chapel built in 1140. It is not only the oldest surviving part of the castle, but the oldest building in Edinburgh.
Queen Mary of Guise died in the castle in 1560 and her daughter, Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to her son James there in 1566. He became king of Scotland soon after his first birthday. He united the Scottish and English crowns in 1603, making him James VI of Scotland and James I of England and Ireland.
Charles I was the last monarch to stay at the castle. He slept there the night before his Scottish coronation in 1633.
Military and ceremonial uses
In addition to its role as a royal residence, Edinburgh Castle was used as a military base and prison. From its early establishment, the stronghold was manned by troops, and several major conflicts took place there over the course of Scottish history.
In the 18th century, it became a major garrison for the British army. Military buildings were erected within the castle walls, which included some residences. The Governor’s House was built in 1742 as lodgings for the Governor of Edinburgh Castle, Storekeeper and Master Gunner, and the New Barracks was completed in 1799 to house hundreds of soldiers.
The army still has a presence at Edinburgh Castle today, which is mainly ceremonial and administrative. There is still a Governor of Edinburgh Castle, and in 2020 it was reported that the Governor at the time did indeed choose to live in the castle.
Edinburgh Castle as a tourist attraction
Edinburgh Castle is now predominantly a tourist attraction. Although no-one traditionally lives there full time, it is always a hub of activity. Last year, it was the top paid attraction in Edinburgh, welcoming over 1.9 million visitors. As well as offering daily tours of the castle, it hosts various events throughout the year. Such as the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in the summer and the Castle of Light illuminations in winter.
