The Scottish Banner speaks to Jason Barrett, Chief Executive, of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a world-class event, rooted in Scottish tradition, offering audiences an experience like no other. Performed to a global live audience of 220,000 each year in August on the iconic Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, the Tattoo showcases creativity through music, precision performances and dance from military and cultural acts from around the world.
Jason Barrett, Chief Executive, of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo took the time to speak to the Scottish Banner on the Tattoo’s special 75th year, how Edinburgh Castle plays such a starring role in the Tattoo and just what it is like to be part of ‘the greatest show on earth’.
2025 marks 75 incredible years of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The event has grown to become a benchmark of Scottish global celebrations. What is it about the Tattoo do you feel is so enduring and also continues to hold such broad global appeal?
JB: I’m a firm believer that if you’re standing still you’re falling behind, which is why we continue to evolve and innovate creatively throughout the entire company. From our plans to tour internationally, to enhancing our arena for a better experience, to upgrading our systems and processes throughout the business, we are committed to growing the brand and elevating the Tattoo at all levels.
We’re excited to celebrate the 75th anniversary of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and while naturally people think of the lights, sounds and skill featured on the Esplanade, we have so much more going on throughout the year to signify this celebration.
Our 75th allows us to look back proudly on our legacy, and enthusiastically to the future. In this anniversary year, we recommit to giving more to our charitable partners and to honouring those who’ve made the Tattoo so successful.
Can you tell us a bit about 2025 production The Heroes Who Made Us and what can audiences expect with this year’s performance?
JB: In 2025 we are celebrating 75 years of the Tattoo with our new Show, The Heroes Who Made Us. The Show will celebrate the heroes across the Tattoo, military and wider society in Scotland who help better the lives of others through their efforts and take audiences on a journey through our rich history. The Show, which will run from 1-23 August 2025, will also see the introduction of a storyteller, who will not only guide audiences through the Show, but immerse themselves in the performance to provide an even deeper and enhanced emotional audience experience. The Heroes Who Made Us will be the first Tattoo from new Creative Director Alan Lane, who places storytelling at the heart of his creative process. The performance will also nod to Scotland’s proud history in the arts and military connection with Skipinnish’s song Eagle’s Wing being performed as part of the finale with the whole cast, supported by state-of-the-art projection and lighting.
Can you briefly explain just how much work, logistics and preparation goes into bringing hundreds of performers from around the world together to create the magic that is the Tattoo?
JB: A lot! We work about 18- 24 months from each Show, preparing the Show theme, content and production elements as well as the logistics of the venue and our ongoing marketing campaigns. We have a core team of 36 employees who work tirelessly across the year to bring together the incredible spectacle that nearly 230,000 people get to see live every August. We’re lucky to have such supportive partners and stakeholders that help bring the Show to life, from selecting the performers to writing the music. It’s a team effort – and one that is very rewarding for all involved.
How hard, or easy, is it to secure performers, especially from the military, each year given the length of the run of the Tattoo each August?
JB: As you can imagine, for many services times are tough just now with reduced numbers of serving personnel and even more reduced numbers of musicians taking up the ranks. However, we have such a strong and important relationship with the MOD that we work very closely together to ensure we continue to represent the best of military music in our Show each year. It’s quite the commitment for performers to be part of the Tattoo, but the experience and opportunities that it opens – not just for individuals, but countries and militaries – is unmatched and one that everyone who joins us in August recognises.
Some feel Edinburgh Castle itself is always one of the stars of the Tattoo. How does the Castle serve up both logistical challenges but also provide such a unique stage that few productions can replicate?
JB: There’s nowhere else in the world quite like Edinburgh Castle. And we absolutely refer to it as one of the stars of our Show! It’s unique backdrop and iconic location has lent itself to many classic Tattoo moments – not least our Lone Piper appearing on the historic ramparts. That doesn’t mean to say it doesn’t come without its challenges – something our Operations team will attest to. Each night of our 26 Show run, we welcome up to 9,000 audience members – and not to mention the 1000s of cast and crew members – to a venue with only one exit and entrance, up cobbled hills and steep steps. That’s why it’s so important that we work closely as an organisation with our stakeholders and suppliers to ensure the best experience for all visitors to our event. We work hard to make the event accessible by all and will continue to do this.
The Tattoo not only honours tradition and Scottish culture but also uses cutting-edge production technology. How important is it to merge modern technology to showcase military tradition?
JB: It’s very important. The Tattoo has always been at the forefront of technology or techniques when it comes to presenting the best show we can. Even 75 years ago, we were using innovative ways to light the Esplanade. Today we have so much at our fingertips, and so much opportunity to present the best of military and Scottish traditions. It’s vital to us that while we introduce or make use of new technologies, whether that be in projection or special effects, the core of the Tattoo will always remain our values of military, tradition and charity.
Every year the Tattoo celebrates comradery and friendship through music, dance and military alliance with a variety of nations. How does it feel to witness that connection and unity of performers coming together to create what many consider ‘The greatest show on earth’?
JB: In one word? Incredible. There is no feeling that matches that of witnessing the whole cast come together on the Esplanade in the finale of a Show and the connection between them and the audience. Many of whom have travelled far and wide to be there. It’s made that extra special for me as I get to see the backstage friendships forming, and the coming together throughout the year that goes on behind the scenes. But really nothing is better than sitting back and seeing the magic come to life on the Esplanade.
The Tattoo has been performed previously in both Australia and New Zealand. Are there any plans to again take the Tattoo to international audiences?
JB: This is such an exciting time for us just now, with many great opportunities on the table. I’ve spoken before about the potential for the Tattoo and where we could take it – whether that be around the world, or just to different venues. Now we have ambitions to go back to Australia and New Zealand soon, and potential for presenting something in the US. Already in 2025, we’re heading out to the US to be part of the Washington Tattoo and New York’s Tartan Week. So, watch this space for more to be announced soon!
The Royal Edinburgh Miliary Tattoo celebrates their 75th in 2025. The Heroes Who Made Us will run at the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle from 1-23 August 2025. For details and tickets visit: www.edintattoo.co.uk
All images courtesy of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
My husband was an Argyll & Sutherland Bass Drummer and did 3 tattoos we were living in Scotland for the last one he did was amazing. My family took me to a recent one when we stayed just outside Edinburgh which was our home for two years when the Argylls were Stationed there
