Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Why Is It Held at Edinburgh Castle?

by Soniya Basu | Aug 4, 2025 | Edinburgh

If you’re visiting Edinburgh in August and hear the deep thump of drums echoing off castle walls, you’re not imagining it. That’s the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, one of Scotland’s most spectacular and misunderstood events.

And no, it’s not about body art.

First Things First: It’s Not That Kind of Tattoo

Let’s clear it up, the word “tattoo” here comes from the Dutch phrase “doe den tap toe”, meaning “turn off the taps”. It was a call used by military drummers in the 17th century to signal soldiers back to their barracks.

Over time, it evolved into a ceremonial performance, which is part music, part military parade, part theatrical spectacle.

Check out our Things to Do in Edinburgh if you’re planning a longer stay.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is an annual series of performances held on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, featuring:

• Massed military bands
• Pipes and drums
• Highland dancing
• Precision marching
• International cultural acts
• Fireworks and light projections on the Castle walls

It’s a month-long celebration of global military tradition, music, and pageantry, viewed by over 220,000 people live each year and millions more on TV globally.

The Tattoo is part of the wider Edinburgh Festival season, including the Fringe and Book Festival.

Why Edinburgh Castle?

The Tattoo isn’t just performed near the castle. It’s staged right in front of it, on the elevated esplanade.

Here’s why this iconic setting works perfectly:

• Historical significance: The Castle has long been Scotland’s centre of military power.
• Natural theatre: The elevated location acts like an amphitheatre, creating powerful acoustics and dramatic lighting effects.
• National pride: It ties together Scotland’s identity, military heritage, and performing arts.

Though rooted in Scottish and British military traditions, the Tattoo is proudly international:

• Past participants have included performers from New Zealand, Switzerland, India, South Korea, and more.
• You’ll see everything from bagpipes to Bollywood-style drumming, Swiss rifle drills to Māori war dances.
• In recent years, the Tattoo has featured inclusive and diverse casts, blending military precision with creative performance.

It’s Scotland’s biggest paid cultural event, and part of a wider Edinburgh Festival season that includes the Fringe, Book Festival, and Art Festival.

Learn more about Edinburgh Castle’s history and its military legacy.

How to Attend

If you’re visiting Edinburgh in August, book your tickets early — they sell out months in advance.

• When: Usually runs for 3–4 weeks in August
• Where: Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle
• How much: Prices range from £30–£100+ depending on seating
• Where to book: edintattoo.co.uk

Pro Tips for Visitors

• Arrive early — the esplanade gets busy, and you’ll want good photos before sunset.
• Dress warmly — even summer evenings in Edinburgh can be chilly.
• Stay for the finale — the fireworks against the Castle are unforgettable.
• Pair it with dinner on the Royal Mile or a whisky tasting nearby.

Need help getting here? Read our UK Travel & Visa Series for guidance.

Why You Should Go (Even If You’re Not Into Military Stuff)

Even if you’re not into military bands or uniformed parades, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a cultural experience unlike any other:

• The power of the music, the precision of the performances, and the sheer drama of the Castle at night is breathtaking.
• It’s also a moment of global connection. Where cultures meet through rhythm, movement, and tradition.

Whether you’re a visitor, local, or curious traveller, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a must-see fusion of tradition, theatre, and thunderous sound. And when those pipes echo through the Castle walls under the night sky — trust us, you’ll feel it in your chest.

Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025

by Soniya Basu | Jul 18, 2025 | Edinburgh

The World’s Biggest Arts Festival

🎭 Bagpipes meet Bollywood, Shakespeare meets street food. Welcome to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where the city becomes a stage and every street corner hums with creativity.

Whether you’re a student, tourist, or part of the South Asian diaspora in Scotland, this guide breaks down everything you need to know to enjoy the Fringe like a pro.

What Is the Edinburgh Fringe Festival?

The Fringe is the largest open-access arts festival in the world, with over 3,000 shows spanning comedy, theatre, dance, circus, music, and more.

It takes over Edinburgh for three weeks every August. In 2025, the festival runs from 1st August to 25th August.

📍 Where It Happens

Everywhere. Literally.
From pop-up stages on the Royal Mile to grand venues like the Assembly Hall, Fringe shows unfold in pubs, churches, gardens, parking lots and even hair salons.

🎪 Popular venues to bookmark:

• Pleasance Courtyard
• Assembly Rooms
• Underbelly
• Gilded Balloon
• Summerhall
• The Royal Mile Street Performances

💡 How to Plan Your Visit

1. Get the App or Guidebook

Download the Edinburgh Fringe App or grab a printed guide. You can filter by date, genre, free shows, or family-friendly events.

2. Book Early (but Not Everything)

Big-name acts sell out fast. But don’t over plan. You see half the joy is discovering unknown gems.

3. Be Ready to Queue

Especially for free shows or street performances. Come early and bring a light waterproof jacket (this is Scotland, after all).

🆓 Free Shows:
These are often pay-what-you-can. Drop a fiver (or more) if you loved it. It supports performers and a way of appreciation.

💷 Paid Shows:
Expect tickets between £8–£20. Combo deals or multishow passes are sometimes available.

Look for Desi and diaspora-themed acts under World Theatre, Spoken Word, or Comedy categories. In past years, we’ve seen:

• 🎙️ South Asian stand-up comedians riffing on identity and immigration
• 🎭 Bollywood-inspired musicals
• 🩰 Classical Indian dance fusions
• 💬 Spoken word on the immigrant experience

Tip: Use keywords like India, Pakistan, Punjabi, or diaspora when searching the Fringe listings.

Don’t forget to explore ScottishIndian.com’s Edinburgh Indian Food Guide for more spots!

📸 Fringe Tips from a Local

✅ Bring cash & coins – some venues and performers don’t take card
✅ Carry a foldable bag – for flyers, water, and snacks
✅ Follow #edfringe2025 on Instagram to catch surprise shows and ticket drops
✅ Don’t ignore the Free Fringe – hidden gems await
✅ Dress in layers – the weather changes as fast as the street acts
✅ Vegetarian here contains “Egg”. So if you are IndianVegetarian look out for ‘Vegan’ food options.

Don’t shy away from asking any dietary questions or requirements. You see precaution is better than 108 sorry chants.

South Asian families or visitors with elders?
Look for shows with:

• Relaxed performances
• Seated venues
• Family-friendly times (pre-6PM)

🌐 Ready to Fringe?

Whether it’s your first Fringe or your fifteenth, there’s always something new to discover.

👉 For more tips on navigating Edinburgh as a Desi local or visitor, check our guides on:

• Day Trips Under £20
• Visiting Edinburgh Castle
• Indian Grocery Stores in Edinburgh

Got a show to promote or want to see more South Asian representation at Fringe Edinburgh?
Reach out to us at ScottishIndian.com. We’re here to amplify Desi voices across Scotland’s biggest stages.

Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh

by Soniya Basu | Jul 17, 2025 | Edinburgh

Tucked at the foot of Edinburgh’s iconic Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse stands as a majestic symbol of royalty, history, and mystery. Once home to Mary, Queen of Scots, and now the official Scottish residence of King Charles III, this palace is more than just a royal residence. It’s a living museum steeped in drama, grandeur, and centuries of stories.

If you’re planning a visit to Edinburgh, a tour of Holyrood Palace is an essential stop for anyone fascinated by royal history, art, or architecture.

🏰 What Is the Palace of Holyroodhouse?

Often simply called Holyrood Palace, this 16th-century baroque residence has served as a principal royal residence in Scotland for hundreds of years. Today, it’s best known as the King’s official base when in Scotland and a key ceremonial venue for events like the Royal Week in July.

It’s open year-round to the public except when the King is in residence and offers one of the most immersive experiences of royal life in the UK.

What You’ll See: Highlights of a Visit

🌟 The State Apartments

Tour through a sequence of elegant rooms including the Throne Room, the Morning Drawing Room, and the Great Gallery where over 90 portraits of Scottish monarchs line the walls. Rich with 17th-century tapestries and fine furnishings, the apartments reflect both Stuart and Hanoverian tastes.For those who enjoy heritage interiors and royal culture, be sure to also check out our post on Day Trips from Edinburgh Under £20.

🏰 Mary, Queen of Scots’ Chambers

One of the most haunting and historically rich parts of the palace. Here, Mary witnessed the murder of her secretary David Rizzio in 1566. A moment that echoes through Scottish history.

🌿 Holyrood Abbey Ruins

Step into the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Holyrood Abbey, originally founded in 1128. Despite centuries of decay, its gothic arches still stir the imagination. Don’t miss a quiet moment here — it’s one of the most atmospheric places in Edinburgh.

📍 How to Visit the Palace

• 📍 Location: At the base of the Royal Mile, opposite the Scottish Parliament
• 🕒 Opening Times: Open daily. Find opening hours and ticket info via the Royal Collection’s official page.
• 🎟️ Tickets: Entry includes an audio guide. Book online for discounts and skip-the-line access.
• 🚆 Nearby: Arthur’s Seat, Dynamic Earth, Scottish Parliament

Did You Know?

• The King stays here during official engagements like Holyrood Week, where he hosts garden parties and ceremonies.
• The name “Holyrood” means “Holy Cross”, referencing the abbey’s original religious function.

For Culture Lovers and History Seekers

Whether you’re a royal buff or a casual traveller, the Palace of Holyroodhouse offers a window into the grandeur and grit of Scottish royal life. Pair your visit with a walk up Arthur’s Seat or explore more Scottish heritage gems in our Travel & Culture section.

Make your way down the cobbled Royal Mile and end your day with a peek into the King’s Scottish sanctuary. Don’t forget to check out Edinburgh Castle at the other end of the Mile — creating the ultimate royal walking route through the city.

Edinburgh Canal Festival 2025: A Day of Water, Music & Community Vibes

by Soniya Basu | Jun 20, 2025 | Edinburgh

Saturday, 21 June 2025 – tomorrow is the date! One of Edinburgh’s most loved local events is back: the Edinburgh Canal Festival 2025 is set to transform the scenic Union Canal into a buzzing celebration of community, culture, and outdoor fun.

From Lochrin Basin to Harrison Park, this vibrant event offers something for everyone—whether you’re a local, a Desi family looking for a summer day out, or just a tourist soaking in Scotland’s capital.

At ScottishIndian.com, we’re here to highlight experiences that bring together people, culture, and a little bit of sunshine (hopefully).

🌊 What’s Happening at Edinburgh Canal Festival 2025?

This free, all-ages event will turn Edinburgh’s canal into a playground packed with exciting, interactive activities. Here’s what’s in store:

✨ Canoe Polo Tournament – Watch high-energy matches as teams compete on water
✨ Kingfisher Boat Shuttle – A gentle canal cruise for families and seniors
✨ Kayaking & Canoeing Sessions –Try it for the first time with help from Scottish Canals
✨ Food & Drink Stalls – Local bites, sweet treats, and refreshing drinks
✨ Live Bands & Street Performers – Music, dance, and pop-up shows for the whole day

🎉 It’s family-friendly, dog-friendly, and yes—Instagram-friendly too!

📍 Location & Timings

🗓 Date: Saturday, 21 June 2025
🕘 Time: All-day event, 10AM to evening
📌 Location: Union Canal (from Lochrin Basin to Harrison Park)

🌞 Why It’s Perfect for the ScottishIndian Community

The Edinburgh Canal Festival is more than a scenic hangout—it’s a chance to explore Scotland’s urban outdoors in a relaxed, community-led way. For ScottishIndian families, it’s a summer day out that combines:

• 🚴 Active fun (bring the kids for paddleboarding or kayaking)
• 📸 Cultural colour (live music, food, arts & crafts)
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A wholesome vibe for all ages—from toddlers to grandparents

You don’t need to spend a fortune or go far to experience something new—just follow the canal!

🌐 Planning Your Visit

No tickets needed—just show up and enjoy. Public transport is easy: take a bus to Fountainbridge, cycle along the canal, or walk from Haymarket or Bruntsfield. Don’t forget your sunblock, water bottle, and maybe a waterproof jacket (this is Scotland after all).

Check the official event page for updates:
🔗 Edinburgh Canal Festival Event Info

🧭 Travel tip: Use Traveline Scotland to plan your route

👟 Comfortable shoes recommended
🧺 Feel free to bring your own picnic
📸 Use #EdinburghCanalFestival2025 and tag us @ScottishIndianUK

In a city full of castles and closes, the Edinburgh Canal Festival 2025 offers something different—a celebration of water, wellness, and neighbourly spirit. Whether you’re paddling, dancing, or just chilling by the canal, this is summer in Edinburgh at its best.

For more events, weekend plans, and local Desi-friendly guides, follow ScottishIndian.com/events.