Tag: Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo announces half-price preview night tickets on sale

As preparations for the spectacular return of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo continue, organisers have pledged to ensure the cultural attraction can be enjoyed by all and announced half-price Preview Night tickets will go on sale from 10am today (Thursday, 30th June).  

Following the challenges presented over the past two years, the Tattoo has recognised that the summer of 2022 marks a welcome opportunity for everyone to get back to enjoying live events, and the half-price tickets are a unique chance for both locals and travelling visitors to witness the sights and sounds of the talented performers from across the world before anyone else. 

The 50% Preview Night tickets have been a regular feature in recent years, but this year it’s just one of the ways in which Tattoo fans can enjoy this year’s performance at a discount.  

The Tattoo is committed to giving back to those who have shown their support to the event in the last few years. Last weekend, both veteran and serving military personnel were able to take advantage of a 25% reduction in price, while there are also plans in place to celebrate NHS heroes and Social Services with activity on 5 July, which will mark 74 years of the NHS. 

This year’s Show “Voices” will be a celebration of expression, giving a stage to performers and acts to share their voice. Voices draws inspiration from people across the globe who, despite physical separation, continue to connect and share their voices creatively through spoken word, song, music, and dance – languages common to all.  

Buster Howes, Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “The Tattoo is a cultural celebration for everyone to enjoy and savour. Our half-price Preview Night tickets are a great way of giving back to everybody who has supported us over the last two years, along with other initiatives in the coming weeks. 

“We’re all set to return with a bang this year and we’re committed to ensuring that everyone has the chance to see the spectacular Voices Show live. 2022 marks a new era for the Tattoo and I’m proud that we can offer people a first glance of the talented acts that feature in the Show. 

“We are showcasing an exciting new creative direction for our Show, which expertly blends modern performances with the traditional, military elements that we’re known and loved for. I can’t wait to welcome crowds once again and I’d urge people to be quick to snap up these Preview Show tickets as demand will be high.” 

900 performers from across the globe will take part in in this year’s Tattoo, bringing with them extraordinary music, dance, and performance talents. There will be vivid and exciting acts from Mexico, The United States, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, along with homegrown talent from the UK.

Military personnel will continue to play a central role in the performance, with the Army as the lead Service this year. Audiences can expect to hear the skirl of the Massed Pipes and Drums that will echo around the Esplanade as part of Voices, supported by Tattoo Pipes and Drums, Tattoo Dance Company, Tattoo Fiddlers, and musicians from UK Military Regiments.   

Preview performance tickets can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188 from 10am on Thursday 30th June. 

Prices for Preview Night tickets start at £15 plus booking fee. 

The Highland Divas to take Tattoo crowds on thrilling musical journey

Crowds at this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are set to be taken on a thrilling Scottish musical journey by one of New York’s leading vocal groups at the 2022 showcase, Voices.  

The Highland Divas will be showcasing their talent and sharing three incredible voices, making their debut on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. 

The Highland Divas are made up of Marla Kavanaugh, originally from Dunedin, New Zealand, and now living in LA, Margaret Kelly, originally from Falkirk, now residing in New York, and Georgia Johnson from Edinburgh, who is now based in Massachusetts. 

With a collective ambition to share traditional Scottish music with the world and honour Scottish culture, the trio were formed in 2012. They’ve headlined New York City Tartan Week in recent years and have performed at iconic venues including, Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Centre. 

The performance at the Tattoo will wow audiences with its musical journey that spans the folk music of Scotland and New Zealand. From Celtic ballads, through to exciting, harmonised interpretations of both pop and classical music, the Highland Divas’ performance will have something for everyone. 

One of the singing trio, Marla Kavanaugh, said: “We really want our performance to speak to the hearts of everyone whose lives have been disrupted or changed forever because of the challenges of the past two years. 

“We want to bring hope and joy to the Tattoo this year with our performance and our voices. We’re spending a lot of time together just now rehearsing and learning the Scots Gaelic we need over a nice wee cup of Scottish Blend tea. 

“We’re so excited and humbled to have the opportunity to perform in front of such amazing fans from around the world who will descend on Edinburgh this summer.” 

The group have all grown up as huge fans of the Tattoo and have watched the performances from afar over the years. 

Their set will include traditional Celtic songs, as well as a nod to New Zealand, creating a wow moment on the Esplanade and give a heartfelt expression of this year’s Tattoo theme, Voices. 

Michael Braithwaite, Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming The Highland Divas to the Tattoo, fresh from their recent performances at Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Gardens in New York City.  

“World-class vocalists of this calibre are an exciting new addition to our lineup and are the perfect fit for this year’s show, Voices.  

“We have some special surprises planned when The Highland Divas take to the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle and can’t wait to share the magic with our audiences.  

“If you haven’t booked tickets already, then I’d urge people to get moving. It’s going to be an incredible show.” 

This year’s Tattoo performance will represent the collective power and connection of voice through a spectacular combination of music, dance, and military precision from some of the world’s leading armed forces and cultural performers as it returns with a bang this August 5-27.  

The Show will run from 5-27 August 2022. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188. 

Banda Monumental de Mexico set to spread their wings in honour of the Queen’s Jubilee at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Mexican military band, Banda Monumental de Mexico, will be taking over the iconic Edinburgh Castle Esplanade when they return with another show-stopping performance ‘Mexico Celebrates Life’ to this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in August.

To mark Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, part of the performance will be dedicated to Her Majesty and Duke of Edinburgh with a special Monarch butterfly wing costume created in her honour. 

Julieta Huerta Aviles, one of the youngest dancers in Banda Monumental de Mexico, was the driving force behind the idea to include the beautiful butterfly wing costumes in this year’s showcase.

Her inspiration is a famous photograph taken of the late Duke of Edinburgh watching the Monarch Butterfly’s migration on a trip to Mexico in 1988 – part of a trip he attended to support a Mexican conservation group whose aim was to protect the Monarch Butterfly from serious threats to the species’ survival. 

Julieta Huerta Aviles, performer with Banda Monumental de Mexico said: “The opportunity to share our country’s music and culture with so many people at this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a real privilege. 

“The photograph of Prince Philip with the Monarch butterflies is incredibly beautiful and with it being The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this year, it felt only right that part of our performance and costume honoured both of them in a special way. I am so excited to perform at the Tattoo and I can’t wait to see the costumes take centre stage.” 

In 2010, the Tattoo was presented with the official Royal Commemoration by Her Majesty to mark the organisations 60th anniversary and has since been known as The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. As part of the Jubilee celebrations, over 50 Tattoo Dancers performed at ‘A Gallop Through History’ which took place at Windsor Castle.  

Michael Braithwaite, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Creative Director, said: “It’s such a thrill to have the dynamic and exciting Banda Monumental de Mexico return to the Tattoo this year. Our audience can expect an even bigger spectacle than before, and we can’t wait.  

“With the country celebrating The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this year it’s wonderful to see the performers from Banda Monumental de Mexico pay tribute to both Her Majesty The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh in such a poignant way, connecting back to their Mexican roots and culture. We’re excited to see the costumes dazzle in all their glory on the Esplanade.”  

All performers from Banda Monumental de Mexico reside from Tehuacán, a town in the state of Puebla which is famously known as the birthplace of many of the greatest musicians in Mexico.

The military band is made up of 120 members between the ages of 12 and 53. The band was formed exclusively for the 2018 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo by the Organizacion Cultural de Intercambios Internacionales México and saw more than 100 performers brought together proudly to share traditional Mariachi music. 

This year’s Tattoo theme is ‘Voices’ and the Show will represent the collective power and connection of voice through a spectacular combination of music, dance and military precision from some of the world’s leading armed forces and cultural performers as it returns with a bang this August 5 – 27.  

The Show will run from 5 – 27 August 2022. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188. 

Cheers: The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo announces Innis & Gunn as headline sponsor for 2022

Partnership with Innis & Gunn will offer attendees their first ever opportunity to enjoy an award-winning Scottish beer alongside the Show, making its highly anticipated return this August

  The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has announced their headline sponsorship with Innis & Gunn, which will enable audiences to enjoy a beer on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade in 2022 for the first time ever.  

The new partnership means that Tattoo audiences will be treated to an experience like never before, with guests able to sit back and enjoy world class performances from military and cultural acts along with world class beer from the Edinburgh-based brewer. 

As presenting partner, Innis & Gunn will provide a bar service for every performance, including the opportunity for ticketholders to efficiently pre-order before the event and collect on arrival.  

Drinks on offer will include Innis & Gunn’s multi award-winning beers ‘The Original’, a single malt whisky cask matured Scottish beer, and Scotland’s number one craft beer, ‘Innis & Gunn Lager’, brewed with naked golden oats for smoothness and refreshment. Innis & Gunn’s bars will also offer red wine, white wine, Prosecco and soft drinks alongside their premium beers.  

In addition to the recommended pre-order and collect service, Innis & Gunn’s bars will also be available across the venue before the Show starts to ensure no attendees go thirsty. 

Buster Howes, Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “The Tattoo and Innis & Gunn are both Edinburgh-based, proudly Scottish and loved around the world.   

“Those are several reasons of many, why this partnership is such a happy fit.  Quality, authenticity, innovation, originality, and creativity are shared qualities.   

“What better way to enjoy a world-class spectacular, than with a cold beer in hand for the first-time in the Show’s history, in the majestic Castle Esplanade setting.” 

Dougal Gunn Sharp, Founder and Master Brewer of Innis & Gunn, added: “We are all incredibly proud to be partnering with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, giving people the chance to revel in everything that is great about Edinburgh in August; iconic beers and an iconic show at Scotland’s most iconic setting, Edinburgh Castle.

“Our shared global audience and clearly aligned values make this a natural partnership and we are excited to be able to bring a new dimension to the show this year, offering our award-winning beers to the thousands of attendees each night, a first at the Castle. 

“Developing an outstanding consumer offer to complement an outstanding Show is an exciting prospect for Innis & Gunn and by entering into this long-term partnership, between us we are setting that clear ambition. This fits perfectly with Innis & Gunn’s strategy of partnering with large-scale consumer events that we can support and evolve over the long term.” 

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will make its return this 5-27 August, with its Voices Show which celebrates expression and the power of connection through spoken word, song, music, and dance, which are languages common to all. 

Over 800 performers from across the globe will take part in in this year’s Tattoo, bringing with them incredible music, dance, and performance talents. There will be cultural showcases and musical presentations by performers from Mexico, The United States, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand along with homegrown talent from the UK. Military acts will continue to play a central role in the performance, with the Army confirmed as the lead service this year. 

Founded in Edinburgh in 2003 with the creation of its unique single malt whisky cask matured beer, ‘The Original’, Innis & Gunn has grown to become one of the biggest independent brewers in the UK and exports to over 20 countries across the world. 

Tickets are on sale for this year’s Tattoo performance and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188. 

More detail on the Innis & Gunn pre-order service will be announced in the coming months.  

Voices: The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo showcase for 2022

This August, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will make its highly anticipated return with this year’s show, Voices. Staged on the iconic Edinburgh Castle Esplanade between 5-27 August, the show will be a celebration of expression, giving a stage to performers and acts from around the globe to share their voice.

This year’s show is the first from the Tattoo’s new Creative Director, Michael Braithwaite, who along with new partners in production design, lighting, audio, costume, and projection will showcase his vision for Tattoo this year. 

Voices draws inspiration from people across the globe who, despite physical separation, continue to connect and share their voices creatively through spoken word, song, music, and dance – languages common to all.

Over 800 performers from across the globe will take part in in this year’s Tattoo, bringing with them incredible music, dance, and performance talents. There will be cultural showcases and musical presentations by performers from Mexico,

The United States, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand along with homegrown talent from the UK. Military acts will continue to play a central role in the performance, with the Army confirmed as the lead service this year.

Audiences can expect to hear the legendary sound of the Massed Pipes and Drums that will echo around the Esplanade as part of Voices, supported by Tattoo Pipes and Drums, Tattoo Dancers, Tattoo Fiddlers, and musicians from UK Military Regiments. 

Joining the already announced iconic The Top Secret Drum Corps, over 100 performers from the Banda Monumental de Mexico will return to the Esplanade this year bringing energetic, colourful carnival energy to the Show.

The renowned and incredibly talented Highland Divas will make their Tattoo debut this year, bringing their showstopping vocals to Voices. The crowd will be taken on an exhilarating musical journey showcasing the Divas’ eclectic repertoire including the Folk Music of Ireland, Scotland, and New Zealand.

Fan favourites New Zealand Army Band will also be part of the Tattoo’s triumphant return this summer. This will mark their seventh appearance, having last appeared at the Castle Esplanade in 2019, and audiences can once again expect an energetic performance that will dazzle and amaze.

Celebrated as the Musical Ambassadors of the Army, The United States Army Field Band will make their Tattoo debut this year, exciting and entertaining the crowd with a marching, military mash up of traditional and contemporary music.

While The United States Air Force Honor Guard, the official ceremonial unit of the Air Force, will make its return to the Tattoo this year with its dynamic display of precision drill.

Michael Braithwaite, Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “This year, the Tattoo is inspired by people all over the world who have found a way to connect with each other through their creative voice and the Show will celebrate this expression by bringing together over 800 performers on Edinburgh Castle’s iconic Esplanade.  

“The team and I are working collaboratively with our new production partners and all the acts to ensure the key elements of the Voices theme run through everything from the lighting, costume design, projections and of course, the music and vocals. 

“For the very first time we will feature grand staging on the Esplanade, and we are taking a new approach to the pre-show segment with plans in place to enhance audience engagement and involvement further. For 2022, various voices within the Show will carry the story and intricate soundscapes have been produced to tie each of the performances together in an immersive experience for audiences.”

2022 will mark the first Show under The Tattoo’s bold new brand proposition, Performance in a New Light, which embraces military tradition and combines it with exciting new innovations and contemporary touches. 

Voices will ensure that the 2022 Tattoo is a welcome return and a celebration of the connections, cultures and languages that bring people together in the iconic Edinburgh Castle setting.

In 2023, the Tattoo will present Stories on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. A show curated to share the stories of the performers and acts from around the globe. While 2022 will give a voice to these acts through the theme Voices, 2023 will see this continued through storytelling elements. For the first time ever tickets for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will go on sale during the August run for the following year.

Buster Howes, Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “2022 marks a new era for the Show, and I look forward to showcasing the spectacular themes, creative and the incredible talent of the acts that will feature in both Voices and Stories.

“With world-class talent being added to our Board, our internal team and our partner suppliers this year, the Show is taking a new, revigorated and creative direction which we know will produce a truly spectacular Show. The acts, as ever, will showcase a must-see spectacle that excites audiences with a blend of fresh and modern performances, with the traditional, military elements that its known and loved for.

“More than anything, we hope people from all walks of life can come together to experience Voices and the magic of the Tattoo.”

The full line up for 2022 also includes: The Royal Regiment of Scotland Band, British Army Band Colchester, British Army Band Sandhurst, The Countess of Wessex’s String Orchestra, 2 SCOTS P&D, 3 SCOTS P&D, 4 SCOTS P&D, CUOTC P&D, RAF Pipes & Drums, The Crossed Swords Pipes and Drums, Brisbane Boys College, Paris Port Dover Pipes & Drums and City of Christchurch Pipes and Drums.

The Show will run from 5-27 August 2022.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s Big Secret Finally Revealed

– The Top Secret Drum Corps set for return to Castle Esplanade this summer following a week of classified activity for the big announcement –

Swiss drumming sensation, The Top Secret Drum Corps, has been revealed as the first confirmed international act to take to the Castle Esplanade when The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – one of the world’s best known military spectaculars – makes its highly anticipated return this summer.

The iconic drummers will wow fans with their dynamic precision drumming showcase, which has received global recognition since first performing in the Show back in 2003.

Today’s announcement follows a week of ‘Top Secret’ activity from the Tattoo which drove intrigue in Edinburgh and right across the country. A ‘secret agent’ guard took to the streets of the capital with a VIP suitcase containing the highly classified first act details.

Passers-by had the opportunity to crack the code and win tickets by scanning an exclusive QR code which unveiled the Act in morse code. The code was also played on radio across the country and listeners had their chance to guess what it meant.

The Top Secret Drum Corps was founded in 1991 by seven young drummers who wanted to preserve Basel’s rich drumming heritage and began mixing the traditional style of drumming with other drum types and striking visual effects.

This year’s Tattoo theme is ‘Voices’ and the Show will represent the collective power and connection of voice through a spectacular combination of music, dance and military precision from some of the world’s leading armed forces and cultural performers as it returns with a bang this August 5-27.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Creative Director, Michael Braithwaite, said: “We can’t wait to make our triumphant return this year and I’m thrilled that The Top Secret Drum Corps will be front and centre when we do so.

“They are one of the most dazzling drumming acts in the world and their sensational performance will light up what’s sure to be another incredible spectacular throughout August.

“Whether you’re excited to return to the esplanade or keen to experience the Tattoo for the first time, I’d urge people across the country to get their tickets and get set to be wowed by the show.

“It was great to see the buzz on the streets of Edinburgh today as we got ready for the big reveal. Excitement is undoubtedly building ahead of summer, so I’d encourage all Tattoo fans to keep their eyes and ears peeled as there is so much more to come, and we’ll be revealing all about this year’s production very soon.”

Top Secret’s drummers play in an upbeat and playful style, with sections of their routine featuring drumstick juggling, exploding flagpoles and a drummer’s duel to wow audiences.

The year’s Tattoo performance will celebrate people across the globe who, despite physical separation, continue to connect and share their voices creatively through spoken word, song, writing, music and dance – languages common to all.

Military acts will continue to play a central role in this year’s performance, with the Army confirmed as the lead service in 2022.

As well as the talents of The Top Secret Drum Corps, audiences this year will also enjoy the legendary sound of the Massed Pipes and Drums that will echo around the Esplanade as part of Voices, supported by Tattoo pipers and drummers, and musicians from UK Military Regiments. 

The Tattoo dancers and Tattoo fiddlers also join the line-up, with international acts and further details about Voices announced in the coming months.

Tattoo unveils ‘Voices’ show theme as 2022 tickets go on sale

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will celebrate the power of connection with a spectacular combination of music, dance and military precision from some of the world’s leading armed forces and cultural performers, as it makes its return to the Castle Esplanade in 2022 with a new show titled Voices.

Tickets for the iconic military spectacle go on sale from 1 December 2021, with the show running from 5 – 27 August 2022.

The show is the first from the Tattoo’s new Creative Director, Michael Braithwaite. It draws inspiration from people across the globe who, despite physical separation, continue to connect and share their voices creatively through spoken word, song, writing, music and dance – languages common to all.

Military acts continue to play a central role in the performance, with the Army confirmed as the lead service in 2022. Audiences will enjoy the legendary sound of the Massed Pipes and Drums that will echo around the Esplanade as part of Voices, supported by Tattoo pipers and drummers, and musicians from UK Military Regiments.  The Tattoo dancers and Shetland fiddlers also join the line-up, with international acts and further details about Voices announced in the coming months.

Tattoo Creative Director, Michael Braithwaite

Tattoo Creative Director, Michael Braithwaite, says: “Through the challenges and separation of the last two years, people of every culture have used their voices to remain connected. These voices can be found in many ways – the piper through music, the dancer with movement, the poet through words and the drummer with a beat.

“Voices is our desire to make next year’s Tattoo not just a reunion, but a celebration of the connections, cultures and languages that bring us together at the unique setting of Edinburgh Castle.

“I’m hugely excited to play a part in the history and spectacle of the Tattoo, helping it return to the global stage, re-energised and invigorated for a new era.”

Voices is the first show under the Tattoo’s bold new brand proposition, Performance in a New Light. It embraces all the military tradition the Tattoo is known and loved for, while combining exciting new innovations in production effects, lighting and staging, along with world-class appointments to the creative team.

Tickets for next year’s Tattoo can be purchased from 10am on 1st December online at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo ready to deliver Performance in a New Light

The Tattoo reveals a ‘refreshed brand approach’ ahead of the Show’s return with senior hires, new creative direction and increased investment


Performance in a New Light encapsulates changes the Tattoo has undertaken over several months of planning and preparation, and includes the introduction of a new ticketing system, fresh membership packages and increased investment into creative elements of the Show, including new lighting, projection and staging.

The new ticket platform, in partnership with SecuTix, will include mobile ticketing for the first time and a new digital view finder that allows guests to choose their seats with a virtual, 360-degree panoramic view of the iconic Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.

Similarly, a new agreement with Woodroffe Basset Design will deliver the latest in cutting edge lighting design and bring a fresh feel to the Tattoo performance, allowing newly appointed Creative Director Michael Braithwaite to produce a more emotionally charged performance than ever before.

Audiences will also have access to a range of new membership packages, designed to enable fans to keep up to date with the Tattoo through exclusive content and access all year round – including an early bird booking window, retail offers and members only events.

To support the new brand direction, the Tattoo has appointed several senior managers and new Board Members:

Chief Executive Buster Howes and Creative Director Michael Braithwaite are joined by Jason Barrett, who takes on the role of Chief Operating Officer, while Andrew Kerr OBE, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council, Tricia Bey, founder of Barwheys Dairy, Chris Edmonds, Chair and UK Executive Vice President of Ticketmaster and Lee Roberts, Managing Director of Canvas Partnerships, join the Board.

Chief Executive, Buster Howes, said: “Performance in a New Light marks a new era for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and I greatly look forward to the hard work of the past many months finally finding tangible and musical expression in the Show in 2022.

“We have, whilst the Esplanade has been dark, set out to reinvigorate who and what we are, and to develop a fresh, bold and dynamic brand that will deliver an even more thrilling event for our audiences.

“Whilst preserving that which makes the Tattoo iconic and unique, we will be increasingly innovative with the Show; we are investing more in its production and have recruited new Board members and world-class appointments to our Management team to imaginatively enable these exciting developments.”

Chairman, Peter Lederer, said: “This is a bold, refreshed approach for the Tattoo as we all look ahead to the Show’s return next summer.

“I’m very proud of the resilience and creativity shown by the whole team as we bounce back from the challenges of the Pandemic and help to play our part in the recovery of the wider live events industry.

“The increased investment in production, and enhancements to both the senior team and the Board, underpin an increasingly innovative and creative ethos, which will surely find expression in a Show to surprise and delight both established and new audiences in 2022 and beyond.”

While the annual Show will continue to have distinct themes, the Tattoo brand will focus on delivering Performance in a New Light year on year as part of its new, long-term vision.

More information on the membership packages can be found here:

edintattoo.co.uk/membership

Hogmanay Heights

Edinburgh Castle to become student accommodation and will double as exclusive holiday lets

There has been a furious reaction to news that Edinburgh Castle has been sold – and will be converted into top of the range student accommodation.

The city council says the sale will do much to change the capital’s old-fashioned image but heritage groups say the sale of the castle is an act of barbarism

Glen Morangie, marketing director of Historic Environment Edinburgh, confirmed: “The decision was a no brainer. The building has been lying idle for over a year and it’s beginning to show it’s age.

“The city council has ambitious plans for the city centre so we have decided that now is the time to think outside the box and jump on the bandwagon. Make no mistake, this plan is a win, win.

“The building, which will be renamed Hogmanay Heights, will be converted into as many student flats as we can legally get away with – and as a major plus we have negotiated a deal with the city council to take over Princes Street Gardens.

“The gardens will be coverted into a huge drying space – which we’ll call The Back Green – to enable students to dry their laundry. This is to compensate for the lack of space in the flats – to be honest you won’t be able to swing a cat in them, but students don’t really care about that sort of thing. Laundry, I mean.”

Essential Edinburgh also has plans for Hogmanay Heights during the summer and winter breaks.

Mr Morangie continued: “We’ll send the students packing at end of term, give the flats a quick spruce up and let them out – at exhorbitant rates – to tourists. Visitors to Edinburgh are used to being ripped off so they’ll lap it up – it’s all part of the unique Edinburgh experience!”

Rupert Morningside-Merchiston, a ‘change champion’ consultant for City of Edinburgh Council, said: “There are exciting times ahead in the capital. After a year of pandemic misery this is just the tonic that the citizens of Edinburgh want and need – not that we’ve asked them, of course.

“Rest assured, the city centre will be transformed. The boring old fuddy-duddy stuff will be gone for ever – the trees, the flowers and the statues will be replaced with line after line of crisp clean laundry blowing in the breeze. Auld Reekie no more: and Edinburgh – sponsored by Persil – will lead the way once again.”

The Esplanade will become a massive bicycle shed, which causes a major problem for the organisers of Edinburgh’s world famous Tattoo.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s Pipe Major Ruaridh Bannockburn said: “Of course we’ll miss Edinburgh Castle but times are changing, everyone’s cutting back and shows of miltary might ain’t what they used to be.

“Oddly enough, our very first Tattoo was a small event staged at the Ross Bandstand back in 1949, and it seems that we must now go back to our roots and stage a drastically scaled down Tattoo once again.

“With Underbelly’s permission we will be performing ‘Twa’ Pipers Ana’, Ana’ in a phonebox near the Ross Bandstand this August. Buy your tickets now, but remember to bring your own seat – the prices Underbelly charge are eye-watering!”

Archie Brunstane-Bingham, chairman of the Old Town Preservation Society, was unavailable for comment. It’s understood he’s moved to Glasgow.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo welcomes India’s Navy Chief

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has celebrated its strong international ties by welcoming the Republic of India’s Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba to Edinburgh and to the castle home of the world-famous military extravaganza. Continue reading The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo welcomes India’s Navy Chief