Californian Reacts | The Massed Pipes and Drums - Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Pipes and Drum, Dancers and Fiddlers, have been collectively developed to promote traditional Scottish art forms, ensuring that these cultural identities are shared internationally.

They are regularly invited to perform overseas; including the German Military Tattoo in Düsseldorf, The British Embassy in Prague, The Norwegian Military Tattoo in Oslo and the Expo in Xi’an China.

These keen and capable performers come together from across the world to play their part in raising funds for charitable causes, and enjoy an unforgettable experience performing on the iconic Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle.

[Toffee]

I was a soldier in a Scottish Regiment for some 32years. There is no prouder moment than marching with the Pipes and Drums. As my auld Granny used to say, 'It wid bring tears tae a gless eye!' Took part in and attended, many a Tattoo over the years. SAOR ALBA!

[vinpepp]

I am English, the pipes and drums send shivers up my spine and the hairs on my arms stand up!!

[stevenlaurenson]

I'm lucky enough to be from Edinburgh and enjoy this spectacle every year. If this doesn't stir the feeling of National pride I don't know what does.

[robertreape]

I get serious goosebumps when they march out at the end to the Black Bear.

[bigyin]

I performed in the tattoo as a flag bearer for the UN in 2000. There are no words for how it feels to march out through 500 pipes and drums as they play! Did it every night and had me in tear every time ❤

[donnamachugh]

I was there when I was 15 yrs old, I am 75 and still it makes my heart jump with joy, My father was in the Royal Scots, His cousins were Pipers and even go to play the Last Post, , , We are all Mac Donald's of the will never forget my time being there, It was and is still

[jhindle]

This is the proper way to present this sort of thing; keep your own image tucked away discreetly in the corner and let the main event take centre stage and make comments separately instead of talking over the action. Too many other presenters want themselves as the 'main event' . Very well done, top marks from me.

[Fire-Bound]

as a piper in the US i will say hearing and playing them is always an amazing experience.

[caroline_scotland]

I hear it every year from my house.. Nothing can describe the feeling you get hearing this echoing from the sky. Just pure magical💙🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[joyceharkin]

There is nothing quite like the wall of sound you get from massed pipes - every atom of your soul is vibrating! Very moving and emotional. Anyone who complains they don't like the noise, it's because they're not meant to be heard indoors!

[ramonafaur]

I was there last summer!!! One of the most incredible experiences of my life!!!

[johnwatt]

The pipes and drums marched through my village on there way to the local war memorial and it was indescribable the feeling it gave me was intense and I live 2 houses away from a piper teacher so hear them every day and as a scotsman every time I hear the pipes I either want to go to war or dance one of the two. Pipers are very common in Scotland

[sheilajames]

The energy, pageantry & perscion is AMAZING. Attended by international audience. No dry eyes by the finale. Makes me proud of my country

[madjock]

Took part as a Piper in 1994 and been 7 times to watch and going again this year - Spine tingling to hear the "Bear" and think it was the last tune I played on the esplinade

[alanaw]

I’m Scottish and I went with an American friend years ago. We had mild, dry weather and it was great sitting there. The show was really good, There were groups from all over the World but the mass pipes and drums were amazing. There was also a lone piper on the Castle battlements The tickets have to be booked well in advance but there are a lot of performances. Every year, highlights are on BBC television so it might be possible to watch abroad.

[suemcbride]

I went many years ago with friends. We trained to be nurses in Edinburgh. It was very expensive for us but our parents helped out as none of us were from Scotland and would probably never have the opportunity to go again once we qualified. It was the happiest of times we often went to the Castle on our lunch break.

[pfrlmic]

There are Scottish pipe band festivals in Colorado Springs occasionally. Great times.

[mmcbey]

I once went to "The Tattoo" as we locals say, many years ago (60+) and as I was quite young I remember very little. The Tattoo is VERY popular and you need to apply for tickets a year in advance and if you do go, wear something waterproof because if it rains there is no cover available.

[lindacampbell]

Been 5 times absolutely brilliant sends shivers up the spine, nothing like the sound of pipes

[nickpearson]

The majority of the Massed Pipes and Drums are British Military bands intermixed with guest bands from around the world. I believe the guest bands are invited over for the Tattoo in August and commit to about 4 weeks of performances.