One O'Clock Gun

A local tradition you can set your watch by
Word to the wise: Position yourself by the Royal Scottish Academy on Princes Street for the best view. Remember, the sound will take a moment to reach you.

Although it occurs just once a day, the One O’Clock Gun is one of the country’s most famous traditions, and one of its most unique talking points. First fired in 1861 as a time signal for passing ships in the Firth of Forth, the gun on Mill's Mount Battery in the castle is now shot for the sake of tradition – although you can still set your watch by it, if you so wish.
If you have a ticket to the Edinburgh castle complex, it’s possible to watch the firing close up – but get there early for a good view and you may want to buy a pair of earplugs. Alternatively, head over to the New Town for the best view of the castle.