Was this imposing tower always meant to be a place of learning? Merchiston Tower, now part of Edinburgh Napier University, has a history far different from its current academic life. This 15th-century tower house, built on an “L” plan with a projecting wing, stands as a reminder of a turbulent past. Imagine the scene in 1572. Mary, Queen of Scots, was embroiled in a power struggle with supporters of her son, James VI. During this time, Merchiston Tower, with walls up to six feet thick, was frequently under siege. Years later, a 26-pound cannonball, unearthed during restoration in the 1960s, served as a tangible reminder of those tumultuous times. Merchiston Tower was more than just a defensive structure. It was the birthplace, in 1550, of John Napier, the 8th Laird of Merchiston and inventor of logarithms. His work revolutionized mathematics and laid the groundwork for modern computing. The tower passed through various hands, even serving as Merchiston Castle School for a period. Today, Merchiston Tower stands as a proud emblem of Edinburgh Napier University. It reminds us that knowledge, in all its forms, has the power to shape the future.
Lt Allan Ker Stone
This Lt Allan Ker Stone stands as a testament. It honors a man who faced death. He faced it with