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Edinburgh Castle, Scotland: The One O鈥機lock Gun

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Mark Stephen discovers the wartime role of Edinburgh Castle and it's famous One O'Clock Gun with District Gunner Sergeant Jamie Shannon and Dr Nicki Scott from Historic Scotland.

During the First World War, Edinburgh Castle's famous One O'clock - fell silent. Dr Nicki Scott explained that not only might the sound of the gun prove distressing to the patients in the military hospital, but it could also have worried the local residents.

Its strength and status combined with its location in Scotland's capital city ensured the castle would play a strong role during World War I. As a garrison, a recruiting depot, a training centre, a hospital and a prison, Edinburgh Castle would aid the British war effort.

Yet it also continued to function as a visitor attraction and the first admission fee of a sixpence was introduced in 1915 during the First World War.

Image of the One O'clock Gun, courtesy of Historic Scotland

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