Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal attended one of the final rehearsals of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo ahead of its official opening night tonight (Friday 4 August).
All performers from this year’s Show, Stories, took part in tyesterday’s rehearsal at the Redford Barracks, giving Her Royal Highness an exclusive preview of their stunning musical and cultural showcases and military precision.
Over 800 performers from across the globe are taking part in this year’s production. Stories is a celebration of sagas, myths, and legends, transporting audiences on a journey of ideas – from the earliest campfire stories through to the world stage.
HRH The Princess Royal met with performers from countries including Trinidad and Tobago, Switzerland, Australia, Norway and The United States of America.
Building on last year’s successful return Show, Voices, audiences from around the world will gather at Edinburgh Castle this summer, from 4 August – 26 August, for the cultural spectacular.
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal today attended one of the final rehearsals of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo ahead of its official opening night tomorrow (Friday 5 August).
All performers from this year’s Show, Voices, took part in the rehearsal at the Redford Barracks, giving Her Royal Highness an exclusive preview of their stunning musical and cultural showcases and military precision.
Over 900 performers from across the globe are taking part in this year’s Tattoo. Voices, is a celebration of expression, giving a stage to performers and acts from around the globe to share their voices through spoken word, song, music and dance.
Crowds will gather at Edinburgh Castle this summer, from 5 August – 27 August, for the cultural spectacular, which returns for the first time since 2019.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188.
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, is urging the UK Government to use the 160 unused homes, formerly used as accommodation for MoD staff, to house refugees fleeing the situation in Afghanistan.
Edinburgh Council leader, Adam McVey, recently wrote to the UK Government calling for an increase in the number of Afghan refugees the UK should be welcoming and Gordon MacDonald has said “there is a clear opportunity here to use the empty MoD houses to house these refugee families in the Capital.”
The homes, which are mostly situated around Redford Barracks, have been left empty for numerous years and the local MSP has repeatedly called for action to bring this vacant housing into use. MacDonald has said “it’s not right that these homes lie empty and it is in the gift of the UK government to put them to good use.”
Earlier this year it was revealed that nearly 11,000 MoD homes were empty across the UK, with 900 unused in Scotland.
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, said: “For years now, I have been doing everything I can to get the empty MoD homes in my constituency – and right across Scotland – to be used to help people whose lives would benefit immensely from being housed in the properties.
“Yet again, we see another example where the UK government could make the most of the hundreds of empty properties across our country.
“The situation in Afghanistan is truly horrific. The refugees are fleeing a horrific situation and we need to be doing everything we can to accept our responsibility and help those who arrive in this country.
“In Edinburgh, we are ready to accept and welcome Afghan families – and as we currently have around 160 homes that are still owned by the MoD but no one has lived in them for at least five years, it seems like a missed opportunity to not use this housing to house refugees in safe and warm homes where they can start to rebuild their lives.
“Boris Johnson should commit to maximising these unused sites like the one at Redford Barracks to allow the UK to take in more refugees, who have had their lives turned upside down, and take responsibility for the situation.”
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack visited Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Redford Barracks yesterday.
The factory makes five million poppies and 15,000 wreaths every year to raise funds for Poppyscotland’s veteran support services. During lockdown the factory staff worked from home, continuing to make poppies for this year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal.
Mr Jack met factory manager Major Charlie Pelling (retired) and many of the former service men and women who work in the factory.
Speaking after his visit, Alister Jack said: “It was a real privilege to visit Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory and meet the former service men and women who produce the famous poppies.
“It was heartening to hear how hard they had all worked to make sure that production continued right through lockdown. Every year Poppyscotland raises much needed money for veterans charities, and I wish them the very best of luck with this year’s appeal.
Charlie Pelling, Manager at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, said: “The lockdown has been a very challenging period for us but it is a testament to the professionalism and commitment of our workforce that they adapted to home working so enthusiastically.
“In doing so that have ensured that the millions of poppies needed for the 2020 Scottish Poppy Appeal would be ready in time. While we expect this year’s Appeal to be different due to the ongoing pandemic, it is vital that we continue to have the support of the public, without which Poppyscotland would not be able to continue offering it’s life-changing support to our Armed Forces community.”
Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, a subsidiary of Poppyscotland, is currently located in Redford Barracks while their permanent premises in Canonmills are refurbished.
Poppyscotland raises money through the annual Scottish Poppy Appeal to deliver support to members of the armed forces community. The charity funds services in advice, employment, housing, mental health, mobility and respite.
