FOR THOSE WHO felt that the Edinburgh Tattoo this year was missing some of the more traditional inter-service rivalry then a ticket for the Highland Military Tattoo is probably a must.
Moray plays a very big part in the event at Fort George this week with Lossiemouth’s 51 Squadron RAF Regiment going head-to-head against the Royal Marines and the Army in an inter-service military skills contest.
Ensuring that the event gets off to a flying start will be Typhoons from the Moray base who are to conduct a fly-past at the start of the Tattoo – while the Pipes and Drums will feature 2622 (Highland) Squadron who will be part of the massed bands as they did with distinction in Edinburgh last month.
Each of the Moray-based Typhoon squadron’s will have the honour of starting proceedings – with 1 (Fighter) Squadron, a key element in the Battle of Britain, featuring first on the opening night with one of their Typhoon FGR4’s.
Director of the Tattoo will once again by Major General Seymour Monro, who is hoping for a repeat performance in terms of the ticket sell-outs achieved at the inaugural event last year.
He said: “The first Highland Military Tattoo was a sell out and feedback demonstrated that people wanted it to continue. We are delighted to be announcing a new programme which builds on last year’s success to offer our audiences a really memorable spectacle.
“We have a superb line up of acts – many new since last year – and we are delighted to have so many young local musicians and dancers taking part.
“An added draw this year will be the improved catering and retail village so we’d urge people to get their tickets early and come and make an evening of it at Fort George!”
As well as taking part in the Tattoo Moray-based airmen and soldiers will also be providing much of the support in the operational running of the event from marshals and security to drivers and photographers.
RAF Lossiemouth’s station commander, Group Captain Mark Chappell, commented: “The Highland Military Tattoo provides a fantastic opportunity for RAF Lossiemouth to showcase the wide range of skills that our highly professional personnel can offer.
“This event is without doubt a highlight of the Highland social calendar and we are very happy to support it give something back to the community.”
All profits from the event will be donated to Armed Forces charities.
Tickets are available via www.ticketline.co.uk/highland-military-tattoo or 0844 888 9991, also at the Eden Court box office on 01463 234234 or www.eden-court.co.uk or at the Highlanders’ Museum at Fort George on 0131 310 8701.