When I first moved to Scotland 17 years ago, I admit I didn’t care for the sound of the bagpipes. Today, my feelings have completely transformed; the sound of massed pipes and drums now makes my heart melt, and something inside me finally sings in tune. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo remains, for me, the ultimate opportunity to hear so many pipers and drummers gathered in one arena, and this year, the experience was nothing short of cathartic. So writes Alena Shmakova for theQR.co.uk…
As a Celtic history enthusiast, I was particularly thrilled to see and hear the carnyx—the ancient Celtic war horn—featured in the programme. It brought a spine-tingling historical depth to the Esplanade, feeling somehow heavier in spirit than the massive silhouette of Edinburgh Castle behind it. I sincerely hope the organisers continue to weave these ancient elements into future shows.
The programme featured four international acts that offered a remarkably varied evening. The New Zealand Army Band was the undeniable highlight; their repertoire was the most memorable and diverse, making it immediately clear why they are multi-time Pooley Sword winners. The German Army Band Koblenz delivered the night’s best visuals, with castle projections so fairytale-like and beautiful that they instantly sold Koblenz as a must-visit travel destination. We also saw a strong debut from the Qatar Police Academy Band and Drill Team, which introduced a welcome Eastern rhythm and pulse to an otherwise Western-style lineup. Finally, the United States Army Field Band, marking the upcoming 250th anniversary of American Independence, provided an epic start to their segment.
International Pageantry and Sombre Echoes at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
However, watching these displays was a bittersweet experience. The carnyx is, by definition, an instrument of war, and sitting amidst such pageantry in our current global political climate, it was impossible not to reflect on modern-day conflicts. The messaging during the American display felt a bit heavy and, at times, slightly jarring given the world outside the Castle walls. Yet, despite these sombre reflections, the evening remained deeply moving.
“It brought a spine-tingling historical depth to the Esplanade, feeling somehow heavier in spirit than the massive silhouette of Edinburgh Castle behind it.”
While dancing was not the primary focus this year, the performances were a joy to watch. I certainly recognise that performing technical choreography on cold, unforgiving asphalt is no easy feat for any dancer! The Highland dancers were magnificent, particularly during the Sword Dance and the Reel of Four, and their traditional costumes were exquisitely crafted. I do wish the programme had added other traditional forms, such as Scottish step dancing, to showcase various styles—after all, the land of Scotland has nurtured more than just its Highland dance! I also found the American contra-style display in cowboy boots to be a fun, light-hearted addition. While I appreciated these, my personal benchmark remains a previous Tattoo that featured a vibrant, colourful South Asian dance troupe, which set a very high bar for visual energy.
Ultimately, whether you are a lifelong lover of military music or someone like me who took nearly two decades to fall in love with the pipes, the Tattoo offers an unforgettable blend of heritage, pageantry, and international artistry. It is a stirring, thought-provoking, and magnificent night beyond the castle and above the city that I would recommend to anyone.
Featured Image: edinburgh-tattoo-daytime
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