This August we celebrate 75 years of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. With the British Army at centre stage, our The Heroes Who Made Us Show promises to be an extraordinary celebration of heroism, history, and cultural heritage, paying tribute to the remarkable individuals and stories that have shaped our event. This year’s line-up includes performances from the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Canada, Germany, Poland, Ukraine and the United States of America.
Meet our The Heroes Who Made Us cast:
The Massed Pipes and Drums
Ever a Tattoo favourite, our Massed Pipes and Drums are made up of military and civilian bands from around the world. Their dramatic entrance across Edinburgh Castle’s historic drawbridge is unparalleled. Find out more about the Pipe Bands that make up this year’s Massed Pipes and Drums below.
Having first performed at the inaugural Tattoo in 1950, it seemed only fitting to welcome the Pipes and Drums of the 1st Battalion Scots Guards back for our 75th anniversary Show!
With a heritage dating back to 1642, the Pipes and Drums of the 1st Battalion Scots Guards continue to unite tradition and modernity, blending ceremonial splendour with operational effectiveness. Soldiers first and foremost, the Pipes and Drums also perform in numerous Royal, Military and Ceremonial duties throughout the year.
Based in Penicuik, Midlothian, The Pipes, Drums and Bugles of The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion (2 SCOTS), is a line infantry battalion within The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Every musician in the Band is also a trained Assault Pioneer. In recent years, 2 SCOTS has seen extensive operational deployment, including Afghanistan, Iraq, South Sudan, and Cyprus. However, this dual role doesn’t hold them back musically, in 2024, they won the Scottish, British, and European Championships, and earning the coveted “Champion of Champions” title.
Originally formed in 1739, the Black Watch amalgamated with the remaining Scottish Regiments in 2006 to form The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Like their fellow musicians within The Royal Regiment of Scotland, each member of the Band is primarily a soldier. As an Infantry unit they’ve been busy; following a six-month deployment training the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the platoon have moved into Pre-Deployment Training for Ex Bullstorm in Kenya. Any free time they have is dedicated to their music to ensure a spectacular performance at this year’s Show.
Formed in 2006, The Highlanders (4 SCOTS) is one of the four regular Battalions in The Royal Regiment of Scotland. Today, they maintain a link to their antecedent regiments by wearing the ceremonial uniform of the 1st Battalion The Highlanders (Seaforth, Gordons, and Camerons).
With a primary roles as Infantry Assault Pioneers, band members can be called upon to support the Battalion by providing mobility, counter-mobility, and survivability capabilities. In addition to their primary soldiering role, the musicians represent the Battalion and wider regiment all over the world.
The Pipes and Drums of The Royal Corps of Signals was formed in 2009 following the amalgamation of the Pipes and Drums of 32 (Scottish) Signal Regiment and 40 (Ulster) Signal Regiment, the Pipes and Drums of The Royal Corps.
Primarily Royal Signals soldiers, the band members are deployed internationally in various communication engineering, cyber and logistical roles. Look out for their Red Grant tartan amongst this year’s Massed Pipes and Drums cast.
Full time University students, The Combined Universities’ Officer Training Corps (UOTC) Pipes and Drums comprise members of the pipe bands of Aberdeen, Tayforth, City of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Strathclyde UOTCs.
Each of these bands has a rich history dating back over 100 years, and wears a unique uniform in accordance to their traditions. This summer, you’ll see their respective tartans, Gordon, Hunting Stuart and Mackenzie amongst our Massed Pipes and Drums.
Based in Germany, The Crossed Swords Pipes and Drums was founded in 2007 by Major General RAMS Melvin CB OBE Late RE and David Moir. Born out of an idea to unite civilian and military musicians in a shared love of tradition, music, and service, the multi-national band now brings together passionate players from across Europe.
Together they perform at major musical events throughout Germany and beyond. We were delighted to welcome them to our cast in 2011, 2015, 2017 and 2022 and look forward to having them back again this August.
Hailing from Canada, Paris Port Dover Pipes and Drums will perform at our event for the fourth time this summer. Led by Senior Pipe Major Gordon Black, the Band has built a legacy of excellence in piping and drumming since its formation in 2000 and are proudly recognized as ambassadors for Canada’s diverse culture.
UK Massed Military Bands
75 years ago, we were born out of the British Army, and this year, as we mark our milestone anniversary, we’re delighted that they will again take centre stage as our 2025 Lead Service. Meet the Bands that make up this year’s UK Massed Military Bands and Stage Band.
The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland was formed in 2006 and is the only Regular Army Band in Scotland and one of fourteen bands in the Royal Corps of Army Music.
Established to assume the traditional roles of the Bands of the Scottish Line Infantry Regiments, the band supports the British Army and the State at ceremonial occasions in Scotland. These include Royal Garden Parties, State Banquets and Guards of Honour at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh and Stirling Castles and on the Balmoral Royal Estate.
Formed in 2019, the British Army Band Catterick is based in Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire and comprises of musicians from The Royal Corps of Army Music. As one of two Regular Army brass bands (the other being the British Army Band Tidworth), they bring together musicians from the bands of The Royal Armoured Corps, The King’s Division and The Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. The band represents the British Army with a variety of musical ensembles including a marching band, brass quintets and a contemporary rock band.
The British Army Band Tidworth is based out of Tidworth in Wiltshire. One of fourteen Regular Army Bands in the British Army, the British Army Band Tidworth is one of only two established brass bands, the other being the British Army Band Catterick who will also be performing this August.
Formed in 2019, the British Army Band Tidworth incorporates three bands; The Royal Artillery Band, The Band of the Corps of Royal Engineers and The Band of the Adjutant General’s Corps.
Based in Essex, the British Army Band Colchester incorporates musicians from The Band of The Parachute Regiment, The Band of The Army Air Corps, and The Band of The Queens Division.
Consisting of a full symphonic military band, they deliver musical support to the British Army, Defence, and the UK Government both at home and overseas.
Comprised of musicians from The Royal Corps of Army Music, The Band of the Prince of Wales is one of the fourteen Regular Army Bands in the British Army. Based in Brecon, Wales, the band has been in existence since 2017. In addition to performing at events such as church services and Remembrance events across Wales and the United Kingdom, they have also represented the British Army internationally in Germany, Cyprus, Dubai, Kuwait, and the Falkland Islands.
With an instrumental focus on the brass family, this brand is a fantastic addition to this year’s UK Massed Military Bands.
Formerly Countess of Wessex Strings, the Duchess of Edinburgh's String Orchestra (DESO) was formed in 2014. Since then, they have built a strong reputation, performing at a wide variety of events, including providing musical support for State Ceremonial occasions, Investitures, Guards’ Chapel services and National Acts of Commemoration.
Musicians from the band will form this year’s Stage Band, supporting with music throughout our The Heroes Who Made Us Show.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Performers
We take great pride in presenting our very own Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Performers including Highland Dancers, Pipes and Drums, and Fiddlers. They’ll showcase Scottish traditional music and dance throughout our The Heroes Who Made Us Show.
The Top Secret Drum Corps
Hailing from Switzerland, The Top Secret Drum Corps was founded in 1991 by seven young talented drummers. Together they wanted to play more than just carnival drum marches and began to mix the traditional Basel drumming style with other drum types in addition to adding visual effects. This unique idea and their commitment quickly led to national success. Having first performed at our Show in 2003, this year’s performance will mark their eighth on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.
The United States Old Guard Fife and Drums Corps
The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps will travel from Washington DC to make their Tattoo debut this August. The Corps is part of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), the U.S. Army’s oldest active infantry regiment and proudly honours the traditions that accompanied the birth of the United States of America.
As the only unit of its kind in the Department of Defense, the Corps’ distinctive uniforms and music pay special tribute to the U.S. Army’s 250 years of service.
United States Air Force Honor Guard
Having last performed at our event in 2022, we’re delighted to welcome the United States Honor Guard back this summer. Formed as the official Honor Guard of the United State Air Force in 1948, the unit you will see on display became ceremonial in 1972. Based in Washington DC, they now represent the US Air Force at official events and ceremonies around the globe. Their August performance will honour the heroes of the US Air Force.
Center for Military Music Arts of The Naval Forces of The Armed Forces of Ukraine
Established in Sevastopol in 2008, The Center for Military Music is based on the military orchestra of the Headquarters of the Naval Forces of Ukraine. Now based in Odesa, they will make their Tattoo debut this summer.
In addition to multiple cultural projects, the band are actively engaged in rehabilitation programs aimed at restoring the morale and psychological well-being of servicemen in addition to multiple cultural projects.
The Representative Band of the Polish Border Guard
Joining our 2025 cast from Poland, the Representative Band of the Border Guard of the Republic of Poland can date it’s history back to 1956. In addition to its modern musical repertoire, the Band draws on its heritage with music folklore from the Podhale region of southern Poland.
They last performed at our event in 2010, and we very much look forward to welcoming them back this August.
Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools Choir
Located in the heart of Edinburgh, Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools (ESMS) is one of Scotland’s leading independent schools, offering a world-class education for children from Nursery to Sixth Form.
Their The Heroes Who Made Us choir comprises pupils from the Primary 6 and Primary 7 Choirs from ESMS Junior School, and The Mary Erskine School and Stewart’s Melville College Middle School Choirs.
Mission of Innocence Choir
The Mission of Innocent Choir comprises of children and adults from the Ukrainian Oberih and Harmony Choirs based locally in Edinburgh. They pride themselves on presenting authentic Ukrainian music and dance. Audiences will be able to witness this passion first-hand on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade in August.
Sing in the City Choir
Sing in the City was founded in 2010 by the inspiring singer songwriting duo Kirsty Baird BEM and Annette Hanley. Since then, this vibrant choir has grown from 31 members to an extraordinary family of 1,000 singers across 14 choirs in Edinburgh, Fife, and the Lothians. The group empowers people to pursue their dreams and aspirations, fostering a belief that anything is achievable with dedication and effort.
Terence Rae: Our Tattoo Storyteller
In a Tattoo first, Terence Rae will take on the role of Storyteller, joining our 2025 cast on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade to guide audiences through our Show. Learn more about Terence.
The Lone Piper
Set high on the Edinburgh Castle ramparts our Tattoo Lone Piper sets a stoic silhouette. A key part of our production, the Lone Piper marks a moment of reflection to close our Show each night.
