THE Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh is the official residence of the British Sovereign in Scotland. Set against the sensational backdrop of the extinct volcano of Arthur’s Seat, it stands at the western end of the Royal Mile. It has always been closely associated with the rich history of Scotland. The works of arts contained inside the palace, particularly the Queen’s Gallery must be seen to be believed.

King David I had a vision of a stag with a cross between its antlers during a catnap on a hunting trip. He founded an abbey on the very spot where he had this dream. A sliver of wood from the True Cross, brought to Scotland by his mother, St Margaret of England, was installed in its Rood Screen. This led to its name of Holyrood Abbey.

Holyrood abbey was richly endowed and was to become the final resting place for several Scottish kings and to witness the Coronation of King Charles I in 1633

The Earl of Hereford and 10,000 English soldiers landed at Leith and sacked Holyrood abbey in 1544. Despite its glorious past, the abbey was finally abandoned in 1768, following the collapse of its roof.

Meanwhile the fine Baroque Palace of Holyroodhouse had become the home of the Scottish kings. It was the favourite abode of Mary, Queen of Scots and was the location many of the more dramatic events in her short and turbulent reign.

One such incident was when the tragic Queen witnessed the murder of her Italian secretary, David Rizzio by her jealous second husband, Lord Darnley. Darnley and his gang had broken into the Queen’s private apartments to carry out the deed.

Holyroodhouse exhibits many of Mary’s personal possessions. There is the needlework panel that she handstitched while a prisoner of Elizabeth in England.

A 17th Century Stumpwork coffer, known as the Little Gidding Casket was believed to have been her property during the 19th Century. It was surely made too late to belong to Mary as she was executed at Fotheringhay Castle in 1587!

Holyroodhouse served briefly as the HQ of Bonnie Prince Charlie on his march south during the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745. Jacobite ladies held a number of balls and other events in Holyroodhouse to welcome the Stuart Prince into the city.

The State Apartments at Holyroodhouse are renowned world wide for the fine plasterwork ceilings and their unrivalled collection of tapestries.

An ever-changing programme of exhibitions of art from the Royal Collection is held in the Queen’s Gallery.

There are a number of family activities held at Holyroodhouse. Half term events include drawing workshops and the My favourite Fan Experience.

Weaving Stories is held during the Easter holiday while Activity Boxes takes place in the summer vacation.

Family garden Tours are held twice a day on Saturdays and Sundays from July until September and a Renaissance Christmas is recreated in December.

Artistic events include tapestry workshops and the Big draw Special Event.

There are also special activities with materials being provided free of charge for the five to 11 year olds.

A lively and interactive audio tour for families, which uses quizzes, music and an activity trail to help visitors discover more about the palace is available throughout the year.

The café in the palace’s Mews Courtyard offers a wide variety of refreshments, ranging from drinks and light snacks to a changing menu of freshly prepared lunch dishes throughout the day.

Holyroodhouse is open from 09:30 to 18:00 (last admission at 17:00) from April until October and 09:30 to 16:30 (last Admission at 15:30) between November and March. The palace is open daily except on December 24 and 25 and during Royal visits.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is still a working palace and the above opening times may be changed or even cancelled at short notice, so it is best to check first when planning a visit.

Further information can be obtained from -131 556 5100.