Mons Meg Back At Castle After 'MOT'
Historic cannon Mons Meg has returned to Edinburgh Castle after passing an "MOT''.
The six-tonne gun, which dates back to the 15th century, was removed from the castle in January for specialist conservation work, the first time it had left the site in 30 years.
Over the past two months the previous coat of paint was removed by bead blasting. It was scanned to create a 3D record of its condition and then repainted.
The 1934 oak carriage that Mons Meg sits on also underwent conservation and repair works by Historic Scotland's expert joiners and blacksmiths.
The cannon arrived back at Edinburgh Castle yesterday afternoon and was lifted by crane to its display position this morning.
Nick Finnigan, executive manager of Edinburgh Castle, was delighted to welcome it back to the castle.
He said: "To many people, Mons Meg is synonymous with the castle and visitors travel from all over the world to see her and be photographed by this most famous of historical icons, and I am sure they will be thrilled to see her back on display.''
The cannon was given to King James II by Duke Philip of Burgundy as a gift in 1457 and was considered cutting-edge military technology at the time.