Father and daughter performers share their bond at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Ahead of Father’s Day, father and daughter duo Andrew and Lauren McLellan from New Zealand reflect on their special time spent together performing at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
As the Tattoo prepares to bring Stories to the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade this coming August, Andrew and Lauren’s story is a reminder of what the Tattoo represents. Bursting with talented performers like the family duo, the Tattoo brings families, friends, and audiences together to share in music, heritage and spectacle which is why the Show remains a beloved moment in the world’s calendar and every Show a must-see.
The pair live in the city of Tauranga on the North Island of New Zealand after relocating from Dunedin on the South Island, a city which shares heritage and culture with Edinburgh, even being classified as an official ‘sister-city’ of its Scottish counterpart.
The synergy of Scottish traditions and music has been a big part of both father and daughter’s lives, ultimately leading to the chance for them both to perform at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Lauren as a Side Drummer and Andrew as Drum Major with the Tattoo Pipes and Drums.
Retaining a sense of Scotland in his daughters’ lives was essential to Andrew, whose family moved from Scotland to New Zealand in the 1920s. Speaking about his Scottish heritage, Andrew said: “Despite my mother’s parents and her siblings being born in the Shotts and Bathgate area of Scotland and moving to New Zealand in the late 1920s, we weren’t brought up with any Scottish knowledge or heritage. Musically my mother’s family were very talented and involved in brass bands and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. So, it was important, to me, for my children to participate in their Scottish heritage.”
Andrew’s time performing with the Tattoo Pipes and Drums allowed him to fulfil a lifelong dream: “Since taking on the role of Drum Major I never dreamt of leading the Massed Pipes and Drums down Castlehill at all but getting that opportunity twice was absolutely thrilling! The whole experience of marching out across the drawbridge or marching off and hearing the roar and applause of 8,800 or so spectators, over the top of the massed pipes and drums, is intoxicating.”
Lauren, who will return to the Tattoo again this year, said. “I have performed twice at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo now, both times as a snare drummer, my first time in 2019, and last year being a part of the Tattoo Pipes and Drums.”
Jason Barrett, Chief Operating Officer of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “The Tattoo has always excelled at bringing families and friends together, and this year’s Show Stories is no exception.
“We are so fortunate to have family performers like Andrew and Lauren, along with such a gifted cast and crew to make Stories an unforgettable show. Families have played a special and memorable role throughout the Tattoo’s rich 73-year history. The family connection within the ranks of our performers continues to be a testament to how we bring people together through shared experiences, shared stories, and special memories.
“This August on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, our performers will get the opportunity to showcase their own unique stories and experiences from around the world that will leave audiences with lasting memories.”
Stories will run from 4-26 August 2023, featuring the military at the heart of the showcase. Audiences can expect performers from Norway, The United States, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Switzerland, alongside homegrown acts from across the UK and Ireland. As ever, the military will play a prominent role in the Show, with the Royal Air Force at the forefront as this year’s lead service.
These talented international acts will be accompanied by the magnificent sounds of the Massed Pipes and Drums filling up the Esplanade, alongside performances from the incredibly talented Tattoo Pipes and Drums and Tattoo Dancers.
To purchase tickets for the summer’s Show, visit edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or call 0131 225 1188.