They actually built a castle out of used watches and clocks, and called it "Timecastle." Sounds like a sci-fi TV show or something.
First-Hand Experience: More info about my personal experience at this stadium - I believe that other than Celtic Park, Tynecastle is up there with Dundee United as the most intense atmosphere in Scotland. I've now seen 4 games here (including one when I was still a teenager), and it's left a permanent mark on me. It's a thrill to be in here. It's dark and imposing, it's intense and cauldron-like. It's the heart and soul of Edinburgh football.
Everyone was very nice to me (even Hibs fans in town), and I can't think of a club other than the Old Firm and DUFC that inspires more intense passion from supporters than HM1874. Yes they have been around that long. I was most recently here at Tynecastle just last year in late 2014, and will be visiting again in 2016. It needs a bit of a facelift but it's still 5 stars all the way from me.
So when I was doing my first tour of Scotland in 2011, I also hit up every single stadium in the country. My obsession with footy (soccer to Americans) is the reason. Every stadium review - like all my reviews - are based on first-hand personal experience, usually from multiple visits. As recently as Fall 2014, when I was "stuck" in UK for 3 months, I went to most of them yet again while travelling. I have pictures of me at many of them, which I will post later. Also, when back in Scotland I plan to take more pix, and add more stadia! So watch this space!
*** return to regular review ***
Anyway, Tynecastle is one of the great stadiums of British football. It's grand and intense and has a wonderful atmosphere, with the third highest average crowd of any club in Scotland.
It probably has the best atmosphere of any club in Scotland.
It holds 17k and has been around since 1886. It has a beautiful big illuminated Hearts mosaic badge on the outside of it. Bravo.
Scotland played many games here as recently as 2003. In 2004, the owners tried to sell the stadium but the "Save Our Hearts" campaign saved it.
In other news, it's Gorgie-ous. read more