All residents of Edinburgh love the Castle. It looms over our daily lives like a guardian. A sentinel. Huge and imposing atop a solid lump of rock, directly in the heart of the city.

Very few cities in the world can lay claim to such a dramatic backdrop and it is always a surprise to Edinburgh residents exactly how underused this dramatic and majestic setting is. Alex Arthur, the famous Edinburgh boxer has more than once indicated his desire to fight a world championship fight on the esplanade. It would certainly be an emotional place for any Scotsman or woman at the pinnacle of their sport. Add a lone piper on the battlements, for many years now a mainstay of the Edinburgh Tattoo, and I daresay you wouldn't be able to fight due to the tears in your eyes.

Edinburgh Castle though is more than a monument. It is a living breathing castle. A citadel within a city, complete with streets, places of worship and administrative offices. Every day at 1pm, the one o'clock gun startles hundreds of shoppers in nearby Princes Street with a loud blast and an elaborately faked scene on Calton Hill where a large ball falls from the top of Nelson's monument as if blown off by the castles Howitzer.

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the castle, for residents and tourists alike are Scotland's crown jewels. Held under guard in the heart of the Castle, these are the symbol of Scotland's nationhood. From the beauty of the sceptre to the downright magnificence of the Stone of Destiny, it is hard for any Scot not to feel a stirring of patriotism upon setting eyes on them, even though the stone is inextricably linked historically more to Scone than Edinburgh.

Whether you are a resident or a visitor, Edinburgh Castle has something for you. It's beauty is absolute, it's symbolism unchallenged. There was a day when it was a place of defence. Now it serves a more peaceful function. However, us Edinburgers can rest easily in the knowledge that if she is ever called on again she will do here duty again. And then some.

About the Author: Mark Palmer is a freelance writer and web designer. He runs the website British and Irish Castles . Mark also runs a website design company called Bluekazoo When he's not doing either of the above, he can be found pontificating at Three Minute Boy