Edinburgh Castle has hit back at a visitor who dubbed it "atrocious" and "not a real castle".
In a scathing one-star review on TripAdvisor a disappointed tourist dug into the iconic fortress, describing it as "absolutely appalling, abysmal, atrocious".
They questioned whether it is "the antithesis of a castle" and criticised it for being "dim", the Daily Record reported.
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 pooches and regimental mascots since the 1840s, and a display containing the toenails of an elephant that once resided at the castle in 1838.
Staff 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."
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."
A second states: "Really liked the experience, well worth the visit and the time. Beautiful buildings inside and the staff is very much there to make your visit more interesting."
