Meet Aileen Robertson, Dance Director at the Tattoo
Inspirational three-time world champion. Aileen Robertson is an adjudicator on the Royal Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing Worldwide Panel and Dance Director for the Tattoo. But she is much more than her titles suggest. She shares her story, highlights the best parts of the Tattoo and discusses the challenges of selecting dancers for this world-renowned event. Aileen, over to you…
“The Tattoo has become much more than the performances in August.”
I am so proud to be a leading part of our Tattoo performers.
As Dance Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Dancers, I also love working closely with Tattoo pipes, drums and fiddlers.
Over the past few years, the opportunities offered through performing on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade have increased significantly. This has allowed us to truly become part of the Tattoo performers’ family.
The Tattoo has become much more than the performances in August. It offers so many fabulous opportunities, not only to learn from the best people, but also to train and work as a team. This helps build confidence, creates lifelong friendships, and opens the door to travel and perform around the world.
I think I can safely say that the recent Tattoos in Australia and New Zealand made all the performers very proud to represent the greatest Tattoo on earth.
What is the hardest part of being the Tattoo, Dance Director?
The most difficult part of my role is choosing a team each year. I receive so many applications from across the world as well as from the UK.
I always bring in new dancers each year, which allows them to be guided by more experienced performers who have taken part in previous Tattoos.
As Dance Director, I am fortunate to work with a hardworking and dedicated team of dancers. I also work closely with a creative team and incredibly talented musicians, who make my job easier by providing outstanding music and support.
What do you do outside of being the Dance Director at the Tattoo?
Alongside my role with the Tattoo, I run a dance school in Ayrshire. I am an adjudicator on the Royal Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing Worldwide Panel, a Fellow and Examiner of the Scottish Dance Teachers Alliance, and a Life Member of the British Association of Teachers of Dancing.
I have won the World Championship three times and have taken every major championship title, eventually earning the Champion of Champions award.
I am also an Independent Member of the Royal Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing (RSOBHD), serving on the Technical, Judges, Registration, and Disciplinary Committees. I was honoured to receive the Atholl Clasp of recognition from the RSOBHD and to be listed in the ScotDance USA Hall of Fame.
Why do you like being part of the Tattoo?
My love of the Tattoo began in 2007, when the Dance Director of the Virginia International Tattoo invited me to bring a team of Scottish dancers to perform alongside American dancers.
Since then, I have choreographed for many Tattoos. A particular highlight was leading the Tattoo Dance Team at the Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebrations in 2016 and the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations in 2022 at Windsor Castle.
One of the most memorable moments of my career was being presented with the Pooley Sword on the Castle Esplanade in 2024. Receiving it from CEO Jason Barrett is a moment I will always cherish.
Finally, not everyone realises that the Tattoo is a charity and that with every ticket sold, a percentage goes to charities at home and abroad. Through their giving, they set up the Tattoo Traditional Arts Programme, which gives people - regardless of background or income - the opportunity to learn an instrument or dance. This funding helped me establish the International Highland Dance Company, allowing us to offer workshops to young dancers who aspire to perform on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.
I couldn’t be prouder of all our performers and I look forward to directing the dancers into A Call to Gather this August.
Tickets for our 2026 Show, A Call To Gather are now available to buy online or via the phone on +44 (0) 131 225 1188.
21 April 2026