Highland and Lowland RFCAs hosted key employers during a VIP night at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Last night’s event acted as a thank you to the employers for their ongoing support for Reservists in their employment, and their efforts to promote Cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs). All of the employers are Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) recipients at various levels.
The evening kicked-off with a reception in the Officers’ Mess at the Castle, followed by the tattoo itself, and post-event hospitality.
Co-hosting duties fell to Nick Dorman and Andrew Cowan, chairmen of Highland and Lowland RFCAs respectively. The salute taker on the night was Major General Bob Bruce.
From left: Nick Dorman, Andrew Cowan and Lowland RFCA Head of Engagement Colin Vooght.
Guests included representatives from Police Scotland, Aberdeenshire Council, Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce, Rangers FC Charity Foundation, West Dunbartonshire Council, Scottish Water, Wood Group, Mr Singh’s India, Glasgow City Building, and Forrest Precision Engineering.
The VIP guests outside the Castle Governor’s House.
The theme for this year’s tattoo is Kaleidoscope – a celebration of visible light in all its forms with architectural projections, cutting-edge lighting, sound and special effects to accompany music and performance from some the world’s best military and folkloric performers.
Performers ‘can-can’ as the Lyon-based La Musique de l’Artillerie entertain.
Maori symbols projected onto the castle walls.
As well as homegrown talent, there were performers from around the globe with musical and cultural showcases from China, France, Germany, New Zealand, Nigeria and Trinidad & Tobago.
Brigadier David Allfrey, Chief Executive and Producer of the show, said: “The Tattoo is always looking to stimulate as many senses as possible: sight, hearing, smell, touch and even taste. To do this, we shape the production around a creative frame which provides inspiration for the military and civil performers to stretch and give of their best.”
He added: “Above all, we want everyone to come together – from wherever they hail – for an evening that is inspirational as well as entertaining.”
The event proved to be both of those things as well as being a great success for both Associations, with all the VIP guests thoroughly enjoying the occasion.
The Tattoo runs until 24 August.
A pre-show impromptu rehearsal for drummers.
