Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Edinburgh Holidays is concerned about the future of our Military Tattoo. Read the report.
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The future of Edinburgh’s world famous Military Tattoo could be in jeopardy, unless several million pounds can be found for new seating.
That was the stark warning from council officials, who say replacement grandstands are required within the next five years to protect the future of the event.
It is reknowned the world over for its colourful displays of military pageantry, but now the hugely popular Tattoo, which sells out each performance months in advance, faces a race against time to raise cash for new seats.
The grandstands which are erected each year at the Castle Esplanade are over 30 years old and
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as well as being cramped and offering only limited access for disabled people, they take an incredible three months to put up.
Brand new seats would take just one month to install, meaning the esplanade could be used for other events, as well as addresing the old stands space and access problems.
The report from the Council’s Chief of City Development paints a stark picture.
In his report, Andrew Holmes says: “The existing grandstands are now nearing the end of their life and, to avoid wasteful expenditure in extending their operation, now is the time to commit to
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their replacement. Failure to replace the grandstands now will jeopardise the future sustainibility of this event within the next five years.”
The new grandstands would cost £15 million, of which the council is being asked to contribute £3 million.
Councilllors will meet next week to discuss the report.