As well as landscape photographs, Wilson’s photographic portfolio also included historical buildings. Beyond the rooftops of Regent Terrace stands the Palace of Holyroodhouse with the rocky heights of Calton Hill in the foreground. In the background stands the imposing backdrop of Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano that dominates Holyrood Park. Wilson gives this photograph plenty of depth to enhance the three-dimensional effect.

In 1679, the Palace of Holyroodhouse was re-built according to its original sixteenth-century design for King Charles II (1630–85). The palace remains the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland and every year in mid-summer. HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh stay at the palace during Royal Week. The fountain stands in the west-facing forecourt and was built in 1859 by Robert Matheson (1808–77). Its design is based on the fountain in Linlithgow Palace that was built in 1538 by James V.