IT is a far cry from today's maternity wards, but this wood-panelled room in Edinburgh Castle is where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to James VI on June 19 1566.

Visitor Niall Macleod, 21, was one of the first people to see the Royal Birthing Room after it was reopened following restoration.

After news of the future King of Scots' birth, 500 bonfires were lit across Edinburgh and a royal salute was fired from the castle. His baptism was celebrated at Stirling with the first recorded fireworks display in Scotland.

Picture: Donald MacLeod