As one of the most easily recognisable and must-see visitor attractions the capital has to offer, Edinburgh Castle has attracted thousands of positive reviews.
Boasting an average four-and-a-half stars on Tripadvisor, the awe-inspiring edifice has been mesmerising tourists for centuries. Yet one discerning visitor was left less than impressed, it would seem.
The Record reports how bosses of the attraction have responded to the individual who slated the site as "atrocious" and "not a real castle" in a scathing one-star review on the online platform.
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Earlier this year, a tourist was left dissatisfied following a trip to the castle, and was quick to take to the travel website to share their thoughts. In the title of the review, the TripAdvisor user stated that the attraction is "absolutely appalling, abysmal, atrocious", and questioned whether it is "the antithesis of a castle".
In the review, which was posted on February 15, the visitor also stated that the castle was "dim", and said the "highlight" of their trip was "things said in conversations" that they overheard.
Edinburgh Castle hit back at the unimpressed tourist's claims, stating there are numerous things to see and do at the attraction, with thousands of positive reviews on TripAdvisor.
The tourist wrote: "I read on the TripAdvisor the top 10 sights of Edinburgh, with this clearly mounting the list, and the airport sneaking its way in slyly at number nine, so I went to both in the same 24 hours of a day.
"This is not a castle; it is a collection of outer-buildings. I will say however, very generous all time life companion of an audio tour guide forever that they give ya for just the mere baby price of three pounds and an extra half a pound.
"I will say too, also, additionally, as a side-note, or perhaps a P.S., that the audio guide at number 16 was phenomenal work, something to really surprise and shock the life back into you whilst walking around this dim 'castle'.
They singled out features of the attraction such as its dog cemetery, which has served as a resting place for soldiers' pet dogs and regimental mascots since the 1840s, and a display containing the toenails of an elephant that once resided at the castle in 1838.
"Go enjoy the cemetery of dogs and remember that dogs are a great life companion too--maybe nearly almost closely as good as the elephant nails they have stored there, but nowhere absolutely near how great and amazing and fantastic the tour guide is."
The review continued: "I mean, the things said in conversations that you will overhear was the highlight for me; I heard someone queueing up for the jewels sightings state that Edinburgh castle isn't real; AS THEY WERE INSIDE THE CASTLE. Mint stuff, top quality, proper lifted my spirits and made me chuckle."
In response, Edinburgh Castle wrote on TripAdvisor: "Thanks for leaving a review of the castle. We are disappointed to read that you did not enjoy your visit.
"We believe there is a wealth of things to see and do at the castle. From the Crown Jewels, The One O'Clock Gun and The Prisons of War exhibition to the National War Museum of Scotland, unrivalled views of the city, the Royal Palace and St Margaret's Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh.
"Thanks again for taking the time to leave a review."
Speaking to the Daily Record, a spokesperson for Historic Environment Scotland added: "We strive to provide a first-class visitor experience for the millions of annual visitors we welcome to Edinburgh Castle.
"While we appreciate feedback and take customer views on board, the feedback we receive from visitors on an ongoing basis is very positive, with the majority of reviewers marking their experience as excellent, with an overall average rating of over 50,000 reviewers on Trip Advisor marking it as 4.5/5."
A recent five-star review of Edinburgh Castle reads: "Edinburgh Castle really speaks for itself, worth every penny. Such a beautiful way to see the city skyline and so packed full of history."
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