The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo visited Washington DC and New York City to celebrate Scottish heritage during Tartan Week and performed for the first time at the Washington Tattoo. Thirty performers from The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo including Pipers, Drummers, Fiddle players and Highland Dancers have accompanied the Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, on his visit to the United States. They kicked off with a performance at Washington’s iconic Capitol building to mark the beginning of Tartan Week.
Tattoo Pipers, Drummers, Dancers, and Fiddle players made their Washington D.C. debut, joining the cast for this year’s Washington Tattoo. The Washington Tattoo celebrates international music and dance, presented in the traditional style of military Tattoo’s around the world. Mark Reilly, President and CEO of The Washington Tattoo, said: “We are honoured to partner with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo for this landmark performance. This event will highlight the cultural and musical bonds between our nations while celebrating the artistry and service of military musicians worldwide.”
Showcasing the rich Scottish heritage
In the 75th anniversary year, the Tattoo is playing a key role in promoting the rich culture of Scotland in America and on an international stage. Jason Barrett, Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “In our 75th year, we are absolutely thrilled to be taking the Tattoo state side for some small-scale performances and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders within the US. Working with The Washington Tattoo and organisers of New York Tartan Week, our performers are excited to perform alongside some of those US performers we’ve welcomed to Edinburgh over the years. In partnership with VisitScotland and Brand Scotland, we’re honoured to be able to represent Scotland. It’s so important for us to highlight Scottish and military tradition around the globe and encourage those across the pond to come and see the Tattoo in Edinburgh for themselves.”
Alan Lane, Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, added: “We’ve travelled with thirty of our Tattoo Performers to take their talent on tour to Washington and New York. The opportunity for our performers to collaborate with such a variety of musicians in America, whilst showcasing the rich Scottish heritage, is one we’re all really excited about. It’s great to spread the word of the Tattoo across the globe in our 75th year, and the brilliant performance company on this trip is but a fraction of the power of the full-scale Tattoo production people can see this August on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.”
Following the Tattoo’s successful performance at Hoolie in the Hydro in Glasgow last December, the team also joined the Hoolie cast Stateside for Scotland’s Hoolie in New York. Hosted by Alan Cumming, the Hoolie was staged at the iconic Carnegie Hall in Midtown Manhattan on Saturday 5 April. The Tattoo team performed alongside talented Scottish musicians, Julie Fowlis, Dougie Maclean, Mànran, and the Oban High School Pipe Band.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will run from 1-23 August 2025. For details see: www.edintattoo.co.uk
All images courtesy of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.