Add The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo to Your Scotland Bucket List

Since its inaugural show in 1950, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has wowed audiences with a compilation of breathtaking performances that showcase military and Scottish tradition as well as international acts in an annual extravaganza.

Bagpipes echo off the walls of Edinburgh Castle and their melodies ring out down the Royal Mile as performers march in perfect unison, their synchronised steps mapping out carefully rehearsed formations in a flurry of tartan and their boots meeting the pavement with perfect precision.

The ‘Tattoo’ takes its name from the phrase ‘Doe den tap toe’ (turn off the taps), a throwback to when drums and pipes rang out through the streets signifying time for the kegs to stop flowing and soldiers to head back to their barracks.

A familiar instrumental chorus now reverberates through Edinburgh annually in August as the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo gets into full swing and the city becomes a hive of activity with events, shows, and street performances all put on as part of the Edinburgh Festival.

A centrepiece of the celebration, the Military Tattoo sees the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade become a stage for military bands, pipes and drummers, traditional and contemporary dancers, and an array of performers that leave onlookers lost for words.

Our past clients who have been able to articulate their experience of seeing the Edinburgh Military Tattoo on tour have described it as “mind blowing” “fantastic” “absolutely great” and “a highlight” of their journey.

Along with the spectacular itself, August is a great time of year to visit Scotland – you’ll be treated to warmer days and long daylight hours to capitalise on your time exploring Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands. Locals and visitors alike will be making the most of the last summer month as the country is blanketed in a sunny glow and a sense of merriment.

At its fitting home in Scotland’s capital, the Military Tattoo amps up the atmosphere around Edinburgh Castle and the feeling is electric. Despite being held at this open-air venue, not a single performance of the Military Tattoo as ever been cancelled.

Each year the show delivers on a different theme and welcomes new acts and entertainment to excite and delight the audience. Every show concludes with a moving rendition of Auld Lang Syne, a stirring moment you’re not likely to forget as the crowd sings and sways in unison.

Over 100 million people around the world tune in to watch a broadcast of the show every year, but nothing can replicate the atmosphere of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle. See it first hand on a tour of Scotland when you choose a select August departure that includes tickets to this remarkable event.

Perhaps join Trafalgar for a week taking in the Best of Scotland, travel the Country Roads of Scotland with Insight Vacations, explore the British Landscapes with Collette, or get lost in a Scottish Dream with CIE Tours.

These are just some of the itineraries offering you the chance to enjoy a once in a lifetime experience at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – there are plenty more to choose from from our collection of UK & Ireland tours.