Celebrating the One o'clock Gun

The historic gun fires daily apart from on Sundays from Edinburgh Castle.

It was first fired from Edinburgh Castle on June 7, 1861, and has continued ever since, six days a week, except during the two World Wars.

The Gun is timed to coincide perfectly with the Time-Ball, a large white ball which is raised above the Nelson Monument on Calton Hill that drops at exactly one o’clock. Together, the One o’clock Gun and the Time-Ball provide a time signal for shipping in the Firth of Forth and the Port of Leith.

The Rt. Hon George Grubb, Lord Lieutenant and Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh said:

"Edinburgh’s One o’clock Gun is famous all over the world and this 150th anniversary is a very special milestone for the city.

"People have been setting their clocks – and even ships’ clocks – by the gun’s firing for generations."

The gun was originally a 64-pounder cannon. It is now a L118 Light Gun.

Commanding Officer of 105th Regiment Royal Artillery (Volunteers) Lieutenant Colonel Chris Huthwaite said:

"The One O’Clock Gun which is provided by the 105th Regiment at Edinburgh Castle is an intrinsic part of the City’s fabric; which has been echoing across the urban landscape of Edinburgh for 150 years."

Edinburgh Castle hosts a permanent exhibition about the One O’Clock Gun. It was created by the One o' clock Gun and Time Ball Association in collaboration with Historic Scotland.

Ruth Parsons, Chief Executive of Historic Scotland said:

"It is wonderful to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the One o'clock Gun, which is not only an iconic Edinburgh institution, but is a global attraction, celebrating Edinburgh's maritime history and heritage."

Edinburgh's One o'clock Gun - did you know.

1. Edinburgh's famous dog Greyfriars Bobby was said to have used the One O'Clock Gun as a dinner signal.
   
2. Originally an 18-pound muzzle loading cannon which needed four men to load and fire was fired from the Half Moon Battery at Edinburgh Castle.
   
3. A 25lb howitzer which entered service in 1939 was only replaced by a more modern 105mm light gun in 2001.
   
4. The one o'clock gun is the only remaining military time gun in use in Britain.
   
5. The gun fires an 8oz blank shell every day except Sundays, Christmas Day and Good Friday, as well as eight royal salutes each year.

Find out more about the One o'clock Gun at the Edinburgh Castle website