Edinburgh Castle was held for Mary Queen of Scots by Sir William Kirkcaldy of Grange throughout the civil war. The siege of the castle by King's party forces began in 1571 but initial attempts to reduce it failed — the rock was too strong and the besiegers lacked adequate artillery. Kirkcaldy made sorties from the castle to dominate the town. The garrison received supplies through sympathetic Edinburgh merchants. For two years the castle flew Mary's banner while James VI's government met in nearby buildings below.
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