Edinburgh Castle has launched an exhibition exploring the dramatic events that endured during the Wars of Independence.

'Fight for the Castle' uses projected animations, sound and medieval objects to tell the story of the many sieges at the stronghold as it changed hands between the Scots and the English between 1286 and 1356.

The £332,000 project from Historic Environment Scotland is the first permanent exhibition to open at the castle since the Prisons on War in 2002.

The immersive display features a 14-foot tall sculptural siege engine, representing what is believed to have been the first weapon of its kind during the siege of 1296.

The exhibition takes place in the castle's 19th century Argyle Tower, telling the story of the structure's fortunes from the death of Alexander III until the return of David II at the end of the Second War of Independence in 1356.

The castle was known as an impregnable fortress but throughout the historic sieges a number of tricks were used in attempts to take back control.

In 1341 Scots used cunning disguises to trick their way back into the castle and despite being heavily outnumbered they managed to take it back.

Alex Paterson, chief executive at Historic Environment Scotland, said: "We've delivered something completely different for the 'Fight for the Castle' exhibition - an immersive and atmospheric experience that we hope will both inform and inspire visitors through sound, light and projected imagery.

"Edinburgh Castle is Scotland's most-visited paid-for attraction, with over two million people passing over the castle's drawbridge in the last financial year.

"As visitor numbers continue to grow year on year, we're continuously looking for ways to enhance the visitor experience."