Arthur's Seat: a mountain in our midst

The extinct volcano Arthur's Seat and the adjoining Salisbury Crags form a unique wild landscape within the bounds of the city.
Hunters used the hill from the earliest times and during the bronze and iron ages, the hill had a considerable population. Holyrood Park was already in use as a hunting ground when the Abbey was founded in 1128 by King David I. Holyrood has been a significant royal residence ever since. The abbey also offered a place of safety. From the 14th century people evading enemies or creditors took refuge in Holyrood Abbey. Later a large area round the Palace was designated as a place where people could seek Sanctuary from pursuers.
By the late 15th century, the royal residence evolved from guesthouse of the Abbey into a Palace, and was important in the reigns of Queen Mary and James VI & I. Victoria and Albert enjoyed their visits to Holyrood and instigated the custom of an annual Royal stay which still takes place today. From the 18th century Edinburgh was, as it is today, a destination of choice for cultural tourists and Arthur's Seat remains a 'high point' of a visit to the city. Few buildings exist within the park but several new buildings lie just outside - the most significant being the current seat of power, the Scottish Parliament.
Images of Arthur's Seat, the Park and the Palace have been made since the 16th century and this exhibition brings together archival material ranging from an engraving dating from c1650 to digital images of the 2012 Edinburgh International Festival light-installation, 'Speed of Light'.

Our Speed of Light mini-exhibition shows Arthur's Seat in a radically new light.