View of the Castle from the Outlook Tower. In this scene, the Esplanade probably had a gravel surface, hence the visible effects of rain. In was used as a parade ground for the garrison of the Castle, which until the erection of Redford Barracks (completed 1915), was the principal military location in the Edinburgh district. Note the tarmacadam road, bounded by the bollards in front, which encircles the ground. Note that The image and the next four (Coll-1167/B/27/1/2-5), do not show the Scottish National War Memorial , built 1924-27 in the reconstructed North Barracks. Handwritten title on the original envelope containing the corresponding glass plate negatives was written by R. Dykes.