Nick and Cathy’s Tattoo Love Story

When Shetland Fiddler, Cathy (35) first performed at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 2014, little did she know that three years later she would meet her soul mate travelling to the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. Cathy grew up on the Shetland Islands and began playing the fiddle when she was six years old. Ever since the Shetland Fiddlers first performed at our event, she has joined them on the Castle Esplanade. 

Nick (30) grew up between Switzerland and California and made his debut in 2017 for our ‘Splash of Tartan’ Show. He joined the team as Liaison Officer, supporting the French performer group, Fanfare et Bagad de la 9e Brigade d’infanterie de Marine.  

Each night in August, allocated performer group buses transport all performers, accompanied by their Liaison Officer, to Edinburgh Castle before the Show begins. On this fateful day in 2017, the Shetland Fiddlers bus was full, and Cathy jumped on the bus belonging to the French band Nick was looking after.   

Finding her preferred seat on the bus was already occupied by Liaison Officer, Nick, Cathy went on to sit next to him on the bus each night for the remainder of the 2017 Show-run. During the 30-minute journey to the Castle each night, they found a shared love of travel, music, books and TV Shows such as Game of Thrones and Scrubs.  

Once the Show was over, both went their separate ways, however stayed in touch, messaging each other daily. They soon became best friends, and in 2018, when Cathy flew out to Switzerland to visit Nick they decided that their relationship was deeper than friendship and began dating.  

Life threw them a curve ball, as Nick was about to go to Bosnia on a peacekeeping mission and Cathy was about to tour the world with the Shetland Fiddlers. They didn’t let this stop them and began their romance with a full year of long distance.  

In November 2019, Nick moved in with Cathy in Newcastle. Soon after COVID swept the globe, and the nation was plunged into lockdown. From long distance to very close quarters, like many around the UK, Cathy and Nick spent the next couple of months navigating the pandemic. An experience that brought them closer together.  

Unbeknown to Cathy, Nick had bought an engagement ring in January 2019 and kept it hidden for nearly two-years! Once lockdown restrictions eased, Nick organized a trip to Edinburgh. Cathy excitedly made plans to visit the Botanical Gardens, Theatres and Museums, however Nick insisted they explore the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade for old times sake. Back where it all began, on a rainy day in Edinburgh, Nick proposed, and Cathy said ‘Yes!’.  

They got married on 2 June 2022 in Cathy’s hometown of Lerwick on the Shetland Islands, joined by their closest friends and family from all over the world. To be expected, it was a musical affair with musical performances from fellow Tattoo Fiddlers at the ceremony, including Cathy being played down the aisle by Margaret Robertson, Musical Director of the Tattoo Fiddlers. The following night, they had a music session in the local Boating Club finishing the festivities with a big barbeque at Cathy’s family home. Both describe the weekend as the “best of our lives thus far, and we have had some amazing weekends so it’s tough competition!”. 

The married couple joined the Tattoo team again in August 2022 for Voices. Cathy as one of our Tattoo Fiddlers and Nick as Liaison Officer to the New Zealand Army Band and Top Secret Drum Corps.  

Apart from meeting each other, both agree that the shared experience is one of the highlights of their time together at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Both said: 

“We usually both work in completely different worlds and being able to share an experience like the Tattoo is something we can really be proud of, and it brings us closer together. We have also made some very good friends at the Tattoo who will be in our lives for a long time to come.” 

In addition to the social aspects, the Tattoo music holds a special place in their hearts. For Nick, "Splashes of Tartan" and "Flight of the Silverbird" from our 2017 Show hold sentimental meaning for him. When the couple signed their wedding register, three Tattoo Fiddlers played “Splashes of Tartan” the Highland Dance music from 2017, the Show where they first met. The song is a firm favorite with the pair and brings back many happy memories of their time together at the Castle.  

When asked if the happy newlyweds had any words of wisdom for others, they said: 

“Talk to each other. The year of long distance that we endured put us in great stead to be able to communicate very openly and honestly. When all you have to keep the relationship alive is talking on a phone it gives you great practice at making good communication the foundation of your relationship. Making time for each other is also important. During that first year, we only saw each other 6/7 times. This made whenever we were together a very special time doing fun things and going on great dates. It has been important for us not to lose that now we live together and see each other every day. So go on dates!” 

We are grateful to Cathy and Nick for letting us share their experience and are honoured that our event played a part in their love story.  

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is currently recruiting for seasonal roles. Join the team this August and start your own Tattoo story. Explore available roles here.  

Wedding photographs: Courtesy of Susan Molloy @whatsusansees