Tall wrought-iron gates of elegant design lead into a spacious fore court in front of this royal house. The palace as seen today was built for the most part in the seventeenth century. However, royal construction began in 1153 when Queen Margaret commissioned the construction of a chapel here in gratitude of her son's miraculous escape from an enraged stag.

Holyrood was the site of many dramatic episodes in Scotland's history. James II was born, married and buried here. There were many weddings and deaths at this site. It was here that Mary Queen of Scots' secretary, David Rizzio, was murdered in her presence (said to have received 57 dagger thrusts) and where Bonnie Prince Charlie held court. The Abbey here was partially destroyed by a hurricane and both the Abbey and Palace have survived numerous fires, repairs and restorations. Today it is the official Edinburgh residence of the royal family who are in residence for several weeks during the year.

The palace is open to the public at various times during the year, however it was closed during our visit and we were confined to taking our photographs from the gate area.