The Royal Edinburgh
Military Tattoo

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a yearly performance in Scotland that attracts visitors worldwide to the heart of Edinburgh. The Tattoo is an iconic Edinburgh institution, with music, dance, precision display, and the poignant refrain of the Lone Piper each night against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

Each year's Tattoo is a 'global gathering' - showcasing the talents of musicians and performers from every corner of the world. Plus, with changing yearly themes, each Tattoo differs from the previous one. Past themes include concepts such as Scotland’s homecoming, creativity, and nature.

The Edinburgh Tattoo first took place in 1950. It was inspired by a simple show called Something About a Soldier, performed in 1949 at the Ross Bandstand. The first of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo production included eight items and attracted an audience of 100,000 over its 20 performances. Since then, the Tattoo has grown in strength, incorporating a wider variety of international military bands and musicians each year. 

 An iconic silhouette from the top of Edinburgh Castle, the Lone Piper is a key part of the performance marking a poignant moment of reflection and signifying the night's end. When the finale begins and the lights dim, cast your eyes skywards to the Castle Ramparts and listen for the drone of the pipes. 

Performers from over 48 countries now take part in the Tattoo.