It’s said to be the mightiest artillery fortification in Britain, built following the Battle of Culloden in order to house troops sent to keep an eye on troublesome Highlanders, but Fort George never saw a shot fired in anger.
Over the next few days, however, the thick walls of the 18th-century fort will resound to the sound of gunfire, overhead jets and the skirl of the pipes.
For the impressive fort, the largest military fort in the UK, is the setting for this year’s Highland Military Tattoo, which takes place from tomorrow, Friday, September 9, until Sunday, September 11, and features a host of local and international acts.
Fort George is a “registered historic monument” and for the last 250 years has been a military garrison and later a training depot for the British Army.
Between 1881 and 1964, the fort served as the depot of the Seaforth Highlanders and then the Queen’s Own Highlanders. Since 1967, it has been the base of a regular infantry battalion, currently The Black Watch 3 Scots.
The site is cared for by Historic Scotland and plays host to more than 60,000 visitors every year.
It provides a spectacular backdrop for the Tattoo and visitors attending are encouraged to come along early and enjoy a stroll around the tented village within the main parade ground where they can buy locally sourced food and drink and find out more about The Highlanders’ Museum within the fort and Armed Forces Charities before taking their seats for the performance.
And what a spectacular performance they can expect…
It begins with a fly past by an RAF Typhoon and ends with a spectacular fireworks finale, and in between there’s a grand programme of entertainment that will have you reaching for your cameras in order to capture the moment.
Along with top-class military and local pipe bands and local Highland dancers, there will be re-enactments of the naval Battle of Jutland and the Battle of the Somme to mark their centenaries, bringing to life great acts of bravery by Scottish soldiers.
Inverness-born soldier Sergeant Brian Taylor, of The Highlanders 4 SCOTS, will take a central role, recreating the heroic deeds of Drummer Ritchie who won the Victoria Cross at the Battle of the Somme.
Ritchie was a 24-year-old drummer in the Seaforth Highlanders when he won the medal for his gallantry in standing on the parapet of an enemy trench in the face of heavy fire repeatedly sounding the charge to rally the men of his battalion.
The bugle sounded by Drummer Ritchie is currently on display at the Highlanders’ Museum at Fort George as part of their WWI exhibition.
Currently a recruiting officer at the Army Reserves Centre at Gordonville Road, Sergeant Taylor is also a drummer, bugler and Highland dancer and is usually a member of The Highlanders Pipes and Drums.
Highland Military Tattoo director, Major General Seymour Monro, said: “We are delighted to have a performer and musician of Sergeant Taylor’s calibre joining our fabulous cast for this year’s tattoo. Our historical vignettes are always a real hit with the crowds and we look forward to commemorating the Battle of the Somme and the naval Battle of Jutland at this year’s event.”
Also taking a starring role is Brighde Chaimbeul, winner of this year’s BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award, who is the Lone Piper. The 17-year-old from Skye was Lone Piper last year and despite being inundated with requests to appear at other festivals, she’s opted to return to the stage at Fort George. She’ll play at the close of the tattoo, bringing the event to an end before the performers march out of the arena.
Major General Seymour Monro said: “We knew that she would have an extremely busy year of performances ahead of her so we are absolutely delighted that she is joining us again at Fort George.”
This full programme for the Tattoo, which is supported by EventScotland, includes a fly past, fanfare from the Band of The Royal Marines Scotland, massed pipes and drums, an inter-unit Armed Forces competition, an appearance from The Royal Band of the Belgian Navy, Highland dancers, historical vignettes, music from the Fochabers’ Fiddlers and The Highlanders Army Cadet Force Pipe Band, a military band set and music from singers James Graham and an appearance of the Military Wives Choir, all followed by a grand finale and fireworks display.
Performances take place at 8pm tomorrow, 2.30pm and 8pm on Saturday, and 7.30pm on Sunday. Gates open at 5pm for the evening performances and at 12.30pm for the matinee.
Tickets are priced £28 to £35 with concessions available. Contact Eden Court Box office on 01463 234234 or www.ticketline.co.uk/highland-military-tattoo. Further information at www.highlandmilitarytattoo.com