What Lies Beneath: Uncovering Edinburgh Castles Foundation

Edinburgh Castle, a renowned historical fortress, is perched atop the formidable Castle Rock, which is the remnant of an extinct volcano. This strategic choice of location rendered Edinburgh Castle one of the most impregnable fortresses in all of Scotland. Built on the solid foundation of Castle Rock, this iconic structure boasts a rich history and remains a symbol of Scotland’s resilience and heritage.

Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress perched atop Castle Rock, predominantly features Craigleith sandstone in its construction. This high-quality stone, sourced from the Craigleith Quarry located on the outskirts of what is now modern Edinburgh, has been a staple building material throughout the city’s architectural history. The Craigleith Quarry, which played a pivotal role in supplying this distinctive sandstone, was established back in 1615, making it an integral part of Edinburgh’s heritage.

Edinburgh Castle, an iconic fortress situated atop Castle Rock, is constructed upon a geological marvel with a rich history. This imposing volcanic plug, which took shape during the Carboniferous period approximately 340 million years ago, stands prominently over Edinburgh’s Old Town and West Princes Street Gardens. This unique rock formation, primarily composed of dolerite, was forged as a component of an ancient volcanic complex that lies beneath the city’s core. The presence of dolerite, a dense and durable type of igneous rock, bestowed the castle with a formidable natural defense, making it an ideal choice for a strategic fortress throughout its centuries-long existence.