Costumes at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
When you think of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, you most likely think of high energy highland dancing or the stirring sounds of the Massed Pipes and Drums. But have you ever considered the role of uniforms and costumes within the Show?
Written by: Katie Goodfellow
Adding colour, displaying military prowess or conveying culture, the outfits worn by performers at the Tattoo can tell a thousand stories. World-renowned for its military and cultural spectacle, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has been bringing lights, music and dance to the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade since 1950. Welcoming acts from around the globe, the Tattoo invites them to showcase their culture, traditions, and talents to thousands of audience members. Acts and performers display marching, dancing, singing and instrumental mastery. And none of this could be done without each act's cultural costume or military uniform – a key part of any performance. A common material used in many of the military uniforms and Tattoo Performer costumes will come as no surprise – tartan.
Tartan is a global textile of tradition and rebellion, oppression, and fashion. Spanning decades of use within both military and cultural spheres. The instantly recognised grid form of colour is synonymous with Scotland – and in turn the Scottish performers that grace the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade every August. Offering a multitude of patterns, colours and textures, tartan has become synonymous with the Tattoo but can appear in many different ways.
The very first Tattoo tartan was launched in 1983, celebrating the uniqueness of the world-renowned Show and its traditional Scottish and military beginnings. The Edinburgh Military Tattoo Dress tartan was designed by D.C. Dalgliesh, a weaving firm in Selkirk. To mark its Golden Jubilee year, the Tattoo then launched a new version of the Tattoo Tartan for the final performance of the 20th century in 1999. This is one you will recognise today as it is most widely used in Tattoo staff uniforms and furnishings.
The official Tattoo Tartan was designed by Peter MacDonald (Scotland’s foremost tartan historian). The colours depict the three military forces - Navy, Army & Air Force - with the black from Edinburgh's heraldic arms. As well as the Tattoo Tartan, the Tattoo also have their very own Pipers Trail tartan worn by the Tattoo Performers when they represent at events and performances across the globe.
The 2024 Tattoo, Journeys, will transport audiences on an international cultural journey, bringing together the voices and stories that connect the worldwide cultures of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. With the Royal Navy taking on the role of lead service, the Show will be a journey through time, celebrating the tides of change.
Tickets are on sale now from edintattoo.co.uk.
