Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Tattoo was first performed in 1950 as the Scottish Army's contribution to the International Festival. Today it is one of the most highly regarded events in the world. Some say it is perhaps as prestigious as even the Olympics.
It is, without doubt, one of the world's greatest shows. It is a presentation of pipe and drum bands from over the world. Many from Scotland including the Navy and the Scot's Guards. There are also appearences from bands from countries such as Australia, Pakistan, China, and South Africa. Together the bands have entertained over 9 million people in it's 48 years. The average annual amount of people to attend are 200,000 people. Each year around 50 million people watch the tattoo on television and the average number of participants in the Tattoo is 550. The first overseas regiment was the band of the Royal
Netherlands Grenadiers. This was in 1952 and there were also performances from Canada and France. The first lone piper was Pipe Major George Stoddart who played as the lone piper for the first eleven years. Never has a performance of the Tattoo ever been cancelled. The Tattoo tartan was first approved in 1983.
Most probably the most famouse part of the Tattoo is the 'Lone Piper'. This is one man, or woman as it was in 1977, who plays above the arena on the haunting sound of his lament.
Pictures
Street Reference Map
