Fireworks at Edinburgh Castle For 5 Centuries

Historic Scotland reveal new findings

As the Fringe Festival conludes tonight with a huge firework display, it has been revealed there has been fireworks over Edinburgh Castle for more than 5 centuries.

New research from Historic Scotland show the country's first recorded use of fireworks was in 1507, not 1566 at Stirling Castle as previously thought.

"Fireballs"  featured in a tournament staged by King James IV at the base of Castle Rock which is now the King's Stable Road. 

Researchers investigated records and documents detailing the castle gun house, Accounts of the Lord High Treasurer as well as detailed inventories listing the valuables held at the castle in the 15th and 16th centuries. The discoveries have helped to shed new light on the extent of the landmark’s association with fireworks throughout the centuries.

Steve Farrar, Interpretation Officer at Historic Scotland, said: "The research commissioned into the castle’s history has resulted in some wonderful discoveries. We now know that Edinburgh Castle was the backdrop for Scotland’s first fireworks on record – during the early 1500s; while King James V went to great expense to celebrate the coronation of both his first and second wives by commissioning pyrotechnic displays.
 
Fireworks are synonymous with the castle today and as it prepares to take centre stage once again for the next display, we’re provided with a great opportunity to share this colourful story with our visitors."

Nick Finnigan, Executive Manager of Edinburgh Castle, which is operated by Historic Scotland, added: "These exciting new findings showcase the castle’s long association with fireworks, which stretches back some 500 years and involves several of Scotland’s most significant historical figures.
 
It’s very fitting that the castle was the backdrop to the earliest fireworks in Scotland on record, something which still continues five centuries on. Today Edinburgh Castle is renowned for the impressive choreographed displays that entertain and signal some of the most significant events in Scotland such as Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the popular Festival closing fireworks."