Edinburgh Castle.
The Gatehouse, 1886-88.
By R Lawson Scott (Royal Engineers Department, London).
A listed.

The castle's position on the volcanic rock offered protection from all sides with steep rocky faces all round and the Nor' Loch to the North. The Gatehouse, which faced the sloping town (the Royal Mile) was the most vulnerable point to attack. However, The Gatehouse, an impressive main entrance into the castle was built, not so much as an additional defence but rather for aesthetic reasons. It replaced a simple functional gate which was built in the late 17th century.

Flanking the main arched entrance stand bronze statues of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, added in 1929.

Tags:   edinburgh scotland gate gateway old town castle victorian entrance royal mile

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Edinburgh Castle.
The Gatehouse, 1886-88.
By R Lawson Scott (Royal Engineers Department, London).
A listed.
Detail - the tripartite panel over the entrance with motto and heraldic crest.

The castle's position on the volcanic rock offered protection from all sides with steep rocky faces all round and the Nor' Loch to the North. The Gatehouse, which faced the sloping town (the Royal Mile) was the most vulnerable point to attack. However, The Gatehouse, an impressive main entrance into the castle was built, not so much as an additional defence but rather for aesthetic reasons. It replaced a simple functional gate which was built in the late 17th century.

Tags:   edinburgh scotland coat of arms gate gateway old town castle victorian entrance royal mile

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Canongate Kirk, Canongate, Edinburgh, 1688-91.
Church of Scotland.
A listed.
In 1688 King James VII ordained that the mortification of Thos Moodie, granted in 1649 to build a church, should be applied to the erection of this structure.

So many excellent churches in Edinburgh - we didn't find the time to go inside.

The Canongate Church, or Kirk, is a post-reformation building of great ecclesiastical and historical significance to the City of Edinburgh. Its distinctively unconventional form, with its striking curvilinear Dutch gable, Doric portico and large central circular window to principal street elevation, adds to its interest. Recessed from the Canongate streetline set behind a low, curving wall, the kirk's 'Latin Cross¿ plan form is understood to be unique among 17th century Scottish churches. Designed by eminent Scottish architect James Smith, the kirk was constructed to house the congregation which was displaced by King James VII. Its cruciform plan was at odds with the protestant worship of the time, and it has been suggested that conversion to a Roman Catholic church was hoped for.

Tags:   edinburgh scotland church 17th century royal mile old town

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Canongate Kirk, Canongate, Edinburgh, 1688-91.
Church of Scotland.
A listed.
In 1688 King James VII ordained that the mortification of Thos Moodie, granted in 1649 to build a church, should be applied to the erection of this structure.

So many excellent churches in Edinburgh - we didn't find the time to go inside.

The Canongate Church, or Kirk, is a post-reformation building of great ecclesiastical and historical significance to the City of Edinburgh. Its distinctively unconventional form, with its striking curvilinear Dutch gable, Doric portico and large central circular window to principal street elevation, adds to its interest. Recessed from the Canongate streetline set behind a low, curving wall, the kirk's 'Latin Cross¿ plan form is understood to be unique among 17th century Scottish churches. Designed by eminent Scottish architect James Smith, the kirk was constructed to house the congregation which was displaced by King James VII. Its cruciform plan was at odds with the protestant worship of the time, and it has been suggested that conversion to a Roman Catholic church was hoped for.

Tags:   edinburgh scotland church old town royal mile

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Canongate, Edinburgh.
Statue of Robert Fergusson (1750-1774), 2004.
By David Annand (b1948).

Robert Fergusson was born in Edinburgh on 5th Sept 1750 where he attended the High School before obtaining a bursary to Dundee Grammar School in 1762. This also took him to the University of St Andrews in 1765, however, two years later his father died and he had to return without a degree to support his family. He took a humble position as a clerk to the Commissary Office.

During his student days, Fergusson wrote his first poem, Elegy on the Death of Mr David Gregory, late Professor of Mathematics in the University of St Andrews. This mock elegy was written in Scots at a time when most educated Scotsmen used English models in their writing. His poetry appeared in The Weekly Magazine or Edinburgh Amusement and in his vivid social life was also a member of the Cape Club, which embraced a wide range of professions and social classes in its celebration of poetry and song.

His first magazine contributions were in English, but he soon showed his genius for Scots poetry, developing a flexible use of the language and a unique combination of the vernacular and the classical. He is best remembered for his long poem on Edinburgh, Auld Reekie.

Tags:   statue edinburgh sculpture public art poet scotland royal mile old town

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