There is something thoroughly Scottish about castles. From the highlands to the lowlands, there is a generous smattering of them, large, small, crumbling, grey, but none more famous or more impressive than Edinburgh Castle.

Set against the bleak skyline of Scotland's capital, Edinburgh Castle watches over the city. Rising out of the jagged black rock from which it was hewn, the presence of Scotland's greatest castle is both foreboding and reassuring.

The history of the castle tells the story of the capital's past in all its bloody glory. Edinburgh started life as a single fort, defending the land from its point high up on Castle Rock, as it was then known. In the seventh century the English captured the fort and the west of the country and called it Eiden's burgh (burgh simply means fort).

In the tenth century the Scots recaptured the area and late in the 11th century Malcolm III built a castle on Castle Rock where the fort had been and a small town sprang up nearby. By the 12th century Edinburgh was a flourishing community, and later a burgeoning city.

Visitors to Edinburgh never fail to be impressed by the castle, the Princes Street gardens and the main shopping drag, Princes Street itself.

Summer is the best time to visit when Scottish weather is at its kindest and the Fringe, the world's biggest open arts festival, is in town.

Anyone hardy enough to battle the icy winter winds should be in town in December to celebrate Hogmanay (Scottish New Year) and battle the crowds at the Princes Street party, one of the largest and most famous New Year celebrations.

Revellers can enjoy four days of events, culminating in a huge street party as shots from the castle's famous cannon blasts in the New Year to the sounds of the bagpipes and a raucous countdown.

Having a good time is what Scots do best, so once you've visited the castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse (the Queen's official Scottish residence) and the city's numerous museums, there's no shortage of post-sundown entertainment.

Diehard tourists should go on a witchery tour through the city's ancient cobbled alleys, where stories and spirits of days gone by lurk. Visitors will learn about the torture, plague and gruesome murders that have blighted Edinburgh's past and may even be terrified by "jumper ooters" - eerie characters known to terrify unsuspecting wanderers.

Hungry visitors will not be disappointed by Edinburgh's selection of eateries, the most famous being the Witchery. Set up in 1979, the Witchery is a stunning restaurant in which to enjoy wonderful food and wine in magical, fantastical surroundings.

Those who still have the energy left should head to the cobbled stomping ground, the Haymarket, where there's a plethora of clubs to suit every type of reveller.

There is so much to do in Edinburgh, that a few days quite simply will not do the city justice. The best thing to do is 'hae a wee dram, and dinnae worry' - Edinburgh will take care of you.