Portal:Scotland/Selected article/Week 23, 2010

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, commonly referred to as Holyrood Palace, is the official residence of the monarch in Scotland. The palace stands at the bottom of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, at the opposite end to Edinburgh Castle. Holyrood Palace is the setting for state ceremonies and official entertaining. The palace is open to the public throughout the year, except when members of the Royal Family are in residence. Queen Elizabeth II spends one week in residence at Holyrood Palace at the beginning of each summer, where she carries out a range of official engagements and ceremonies.

Holyrood Abbey was founded by David I, King of Scots in 1128, and Holyrood Palace has served as the principal residence of the Kings and Queens of Scots since the 15th century. The ruined Augustinian abbey that is sited in the grounds was built in 1128 at the order of King David I of Scotland. Holyrood Abbey has been the site of many royal coronations and marriage ceremonies, and a number of Kings of Scots and other Scottish royalty are buried there. The roof of the abbey collapsed in 1768, leaving it as it currently stands.