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Edinburgh, Scotland

  • October 2, 2024
  • Jack

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

SPECTACULAR!  I’m not sure that captures my feelings for the event.  Perhaps AMAZING, IMPRESSIVE, or STUNNING would say it better, but you MUST put this on your list of things to do at least once in your life.  The story of the Tattoo began over seven decades ago and was inspired by a modest show called ‘Something About a Soldier’ performed in 1949 at the Ross Bandstand in Edinburgh’s West Princes Street Gardens.  The rest is history; let me tell you about this year’s experience.

Running for three weeks in August, the Tattoo became an anchor point for planning the rest of our journeys in Scotland, as tickets are hard to get.  As luck would have it for me, the 2024 lead service for the show was the Royal Navy, designed to pay homage to seafarers that travel the ocean across continents bringing people from different cultures together. Mindful of their American cousins, the show’s participants included the U.S. Navy’s Ceremonial Guard (silent drill team), the U.S. Sea Service Band (comprised of three US Maritime bands), and the Citadel Regimental Band and Pipes.   And yes, included in the performance was Top Gun’s “Danger Zone” – Fly Navy!!

Royal Mile to Castle
2024 Tattoo Lead
Tattoo Pipers

The Scottish are clearly hearty folks, as Edinburgh’s weather can take a toll if you’re not prepared.  Fortunately, we were as we were pre-briefed by 2nd cousin Andy and his wonderful wife Susan, who joined us at the event in addition to my sister Christie and hubby Jim.   One might think the weather would be beautiful with a 9:30 p.m. start on a summer August evening.  Well, not exactly – as with temps in the low 50s, high winds, and heavy rains, the environment might dampen the excitement.  Trust me – not for one second – and the show did not miss a beat.  In addition to a layered clothing approach with a good raincoat, the secret may have been a good wool blanket for the knees!  Surprisingly enough, we stayed relatively dry!

August Evening at Tattoo
Tattoo Wind and Rain
Show Goes On
Flaming Bagpipes

Even if you don’t love the sound of a bagpipe, like I do, I guarantee you will love this show.  I don’t know how many bagpipers played; let’s just say “a lot.”  In force, the bands will take your breath away. Without listing all the pipe bands, included were the Royal Marines, Scots Guards, Irish Guards, Royal Gurkha Rifles, Royal Tank Regiment, Australian Federal Police, Royal Canadian Mounted Police… you get the picture. I would challenge anyone not to sit in awe during the performances.

Add this to your bucket list for a visit to Edinburgh in August—you won’t be disappointed. If I have inspired you to see the show, check out the 2025 show at https://www.edintattoo.co.uk/the-show! 

2024 Tattoo
2024 Tattoo
2024 Tattoo
Tatto Finale
Tattoo Finale

Edinburgh Fringe

With the Royal Tattoo being the central reason for our trip, The Edinburgh Festival Fringe runs concurrently, providing limitless things to see and do outside of the Tattoo.  With over 2.6 million tickets issued, the “Fringe” brought artists and audiences from 65 countries in 2024, where over 3700 registered shows were performed in cafes, rooms, and streets around town. Although our time was limited, we did see one Fringe comedy show; it was not great, but it was fun nonetheless. 

The Royal Yacht Britannia

I consider a tour aboard the Royal Yacht another “must-see” while in Edinburgh, and I’m not just talking for the sailors in the crowd but for the landlubbers, too!  This impressive ship was a Royal residence for over 40 years, sailing over a million miles with nearly 1000 state visits with the Royal Family.  This immaculately maintained vessel may be seen on a five-deck audio-guided tour of life at sea for the Royal Family and the 200+ Royal Yachtsmen who served on board.  With easy access to the city’s Tram, the Yacht sits pier side just a few miles outside town.  While there, don’t pass up the Royal Deck Tearoom at the end of your tour.  You can enjoy sandwiches, soups, coffee, and cocktails, but if you pass up the freshly made scones with clotted cream and jam, you’re making a big mistake!

Edinburgh Castle

You should not visit this magnificent city without touring Edinburgh Castle, which sits high atop Castle Rock and offers incredible views and a rich history. Yes, seeing the castle lit up in all its glory with stunning special effects during the Tattoo was remarkable, but there is so much more to see in the “Defender of the Nation” on top of Castle Hill.  As one of the oldest strongholds in Europe, it has a long history as a fortress, residence for royals, military fort, and prison.  Within the castle, you can visit the oldest building in Edinburgh— St. Margaret’s Chapel, the Royal Palace, One O’clock Gun, the National War Museum, the Scottish National War Memorial, and my favorite, Mons Meg— a six-tonne siege gun. Although you can get a guided tour, the audio tour was great, and you could easily spend 2-3 hours there.

Edinburgh
HMY Britannia
HMY Britannia
Family at Britannia
Long May Your Chimney Smoke
Tea Time
The Family
Edinburgh Castle
Castle Tour
King James VI Coat of Arms
Mons Meg
1967-2024 Jack & Christie
Castle Great Hall
Mary (Stuart) Queen of Scots with distant relative Sis

Next stop – Northern Scotland for a tour of the North Coast 500!

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5 Responses

  1. JoseOne says:
    January 24, 2025 at 2:36 pm

    Excellent beat ! I would like to apprentice even as you amend your web site, how could i subscribe for a blog web site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit familiar of this your broadcast offered vivid transparent idea

    Reply
  2. Scott Gregory says:
    October 11, 2024 at 1:00 pm

    Very well written and a fantastic summary that inspires. With your thorough overview and CB promotion intended to attract visitors, you as could be receiving commission. Well done!

    Reply
  3. Ann Hektoen says:
    October 5, 2024 at 10:16 pm

    Jack. Magnificent is the right word for seeing and hearing all the music with bagpipers! You and Karen and Christie and Jim are living the adventure and sharing so we can learn. I much appreciate. So happy for your time away. Be sure to return one of these days.

    Reply
  4. Debra M Ford says:
    October 5, 2024 at 12:13 am

    Wow! Sounds absolutely amazing! I spent a weekend there (September I think) and thought Edinburgh was great, but clearly need to go back again in August!

    Reply
  5. Terri Conn says:
    October 2, 2024 at 9:59 pm

    Scott and I definitely have a visit to Scotland on our list of places to see! I am enjoying your journey through your posts, thanks for sharing the adventures. I appreciate the time and pictures.

    Reply

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  • karenkstuart@gmail.com
  • Home
  • Travel Blog
    • Updates from the Edge
      • Carnoustie – Long Journey Home
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      • Christmas in Garmisch, Germany
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      • Orkney Islands
      • NC500 Scotland
      • Carnoustie – Long Journey Home
      • Edinburgh, Scotland
    • The World’s Last Luxury Liner – Queen Mary 2
      • Crossing the Pond
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    • Updates from the Edge
      • Carnoustie – Long Journey Home
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