One O'Clock Gun: firing time, days and location
The One O'Clock Gun is a field gun that fires a single shot at 1 p.m. from Mills Mount Battery inside Edinburgh Castle. It normally fires every day except Sunday, Good Friday and Christmas Day. A weather or operational closure of the castle also stops it.
The gun stands inside the castle walls, so you reach it with castle admission. See Edinburgh Castle tickets for time slots, and opening hours for the season you travel in. The castle suggests at least 2 hours for the main attractions, so the gun fits easily into a normal visit.
Which days does the gun fire?
The rule is simple, with three exceptions.
| Day | One O'Clock Gun |
|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday | Normally fires at 1 p.m. |
| Sunday | No firing |
| Good Friday | No firing |
| Christmas Day (25 December) | No firing; the castle is also closed on 25 and 26 December |
The castle can also close at short notice because of weather. If the castle is shut, you will not see the gun. For most visitors, the easy choice is a weekday or a Saturday, with the castle visit planned so that you are at the battery before 1 p.m.
Our pick: up the Royal Mile to the gun
Our take: this walk ends inside the castle with the ticket included.
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Where the gun stands
Inside the castle, near the Redcoat Café.
The battery
The gun is on Mills Mount Battery, next to the Redcoat Café. From the Portcullis Gate, turn right at the end of the Argyle Battery.
Where to stand
There is no official viewing spot to recommend. Barriers and castle staff decide where visitors can stand on the day, so follow their instructions and arrive a little early.
Getting there
The castle's mobility vehicle does not run between 12:15 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. because of the ceremony. If you need it, plan your route to the battery before 12:15.
Inside the castle →The noise
The shot is a sudden, loud bang. The castle has a limited supply of ear defenders to borrow. Ask for them if you are sensitive to noise.
A visit timed around 1 p.m.
One way to fit the gun into the day.
Morning
The castle opens at 9:30 a.m. Start with the Royal Palace and the Honours of Scotland, and keep the later hours for the rest of the castle.
From 12:15
Walk to Mills Mount Battery, near the Redcoat Café. The castle has steep, uneven cobbled paths, so allow extra time.
1 p.m.
The gun fires. Afterwards the Redcoat Café is next to the battery if you want a break.
Afternoon
Use the time left for the Great Hall, the Prisons of War and St Margaret's Chapel. Last entry to the castle is at 5 p.m. from April to September and at 4 p.m. for most of the winter.
The gun and Mons Meg are different
Visitors often mix up the two. The One O'Clock Gun is the modern field gun on Mills Mount Battery that marks the time. Mons Meg is a medieval siege gun, a gift to James II in 1457. It weighs about 6 tonnes and fired stone balls of 150 kg up to 3.2 km. It stands in front of St Margaret's Chapel.
The One O'Clock Gun began in 1861 as a daily time signal, so that ships in the Firth of Forth could set their clocks. The salutes fired at state occasions are a different event and do not follow this schedule.
Practical details for the visit
Prices for 2026.
Entry
Adults aged 16 to 64 pay £23.50 online or £26.00 on the day. Children aged 7 to 15 pay £11.50 online or £13.00 on the day, and children under 7 are free. Add young children to the online booking.
Ticket prices →Bags and dogs
Suitcases and large rucksacks of 30 litres or more are not allowed, and there is no left luggage. Bag checks are possible. Only assistance dogs on a lead are admitted.
Ground and steps
Paths are steep and uneven, with cobbles and steps. The main climb inside the castle is about 350 m, and the steepest point is 15 degrees. Wear sturdy shoes.
Children under 16
Visitors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Audio guide
The audio guide costs £4, as a device or a download, and German is available. Bring your own headphones and a charged phone for the download, and download it beforehand because the connection varies.
Guided tour
The official castle tour is a separate product at £6.50 per person: 30 minutes, in English, mostly outdoors. Meet on the right behind the Main Gate 15 minutes before the start.
Tours →More on the castle
Pages that help you plan.
One O'Clock Gun: frequently asked questions
What time does the One O'Clock Gun fire?
It normally fires at 1 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. It does not fire on Sundays, on Good Friday or on Christmas Day.
Where should I stand to watch it?
The gun is at Mills Mount Battery next to the Redcoat Café. Barriers and staff on the day decide where visitors can stand, so follow their instructions.
Do I need a ticket to see the gun?
Yes, the gun is inside the castle, so you need castle admission. Book a time slot ahead or buy a Flexi ticket.
Is the gun very loud?
Yes, it is a sudden, loud bang. The castle has a limited number of ear defenders to borrow.
Is this the official Edinburgh Castle website?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by Historic Environment Scotland or by the castle.