The Enchantment of the Edinburgh Tattoo

We woke up to a big Scottish meaty breakfast and I loved seeing my dad's eyes light up at the sight of black pudding sausage - he took two! My mom tried a bite to see if it still tasted like she remembered...yup, dried blood...and still not impressed. ;o) I don't mind it.
We then went into Edinburgh (thats the castle above!) for the day and happened to have the great fortune of being there during the beginning of both the Military Tattoo and the month long Fringe Festival. This means that there were thousands of people in the city and markets everywhere! We met up with Lilian and Emily here, so that was pretty exciting too.
Syd and I broke off from the group initially to do some shopping and try on kilts – and purchased a matching set! They are purple and we call it our 'millett' tartan (though the actual tartan is the heritage of Scotland). We were excited to take a piece of heritage home, and Syd is part Scottish now (by marrying into my fam!).
We then met up with the group for a beer in a pub on the royal mile. Everyone was in really good spirits and were loving the spirit of the city.
We took a walk on the royal mile and enjoyed the sights, sounds and music and watched a number of buskers and other entertainers before going for a fabulous Italian meal.
My dad and my cousin even had a chance to get a photo for posterity with Bonnie Prince Charlie himself!

The highlight of the day was the Edinburgh Military Tattoo for the 10:30 show so that we could see the lights and fireworks show in complete darkness (to full effect). This is such an event in Edinburgh, that we had to purchase our tickets for the August 2008 show in December 2007 ! The word 'tattoo' comes from the closing-time cry in the inns in the Low Countries during the 17th and 18th centuries and means 'Doe den tap toe' (Turn off the taps!)

It was held in the square beside the castle, with the castle making a unique and ideal backdrop for the show. Settling into our high seats amid 8000 other people (tourists) of all different countries, the fresh clear air exhilarating, the sky about the Castle deepening first to heather-colours of lilac and purple before darkness slipped down and the floodlit castle drew all eyes to the centre square. A hush falls and darkness deepens, the great oak gates of the Castle sweep open and the swell of the pipes and drums cracks through the night sky. As the massed pipe and drum bands march out in their hundreds across the drawbridge, flanked by effigies of William Wallace and Robert The Bruce, emotions run high: this matchless spectacle unfailingly enthrals, symbolising the Scotland that everyone holds dear in their heart.
Many countries were represented their bands and dancing here. Canada (Nova Scotia) even had a highland dancing troupe that did a beautiful dance with the Scottish troupe. They effectively used the castle as a backdrop to create visual effects (though pardon the blurry night shot!).
It was just amazing. The international guest performers brought a unique dimension, but it was the pipes and drums, which served as the emotional core, the heart of the Tattoo, which Scots love fiercely and visitors quickly take to their own hearts. They most memorable pipe rendition was that of the Last of the Mohicans main soundtrack song, and it sent chills up our skin it was so powerful! When Lilian, Syd and I checked our arms afterwards, we all had goosebumps.


Finally, all eyes were drawn to the Castle ramparts, where a single spotlight cued the Lone Piper to play his haunting lament, the high notes echoing across the still night sky and across the dark city. As the flames of the Castle torchlights and the piper's warming brazier flickered and slowly died, an immense amount of fireworks lit up the sky while more fire rained down the side of the castle walls (like flames).
The night ended with the entire audience joining hands and singing 'Auld Lang Syne'. Will ye no come back again? says the haunting old song, and our answer undoubtedly is, 'Oh yes, and soon we shall!'