A talented Skye youngster will be playing a central role at the Highland Military Tattoo which opens tomorrow night at Fort George in Ardersier.
Brìghde Chaimbeul, 17, who was born and brought up on the island and now lives in Kyle of Lochalsh, has been chosen as the lone piper for this year’s tattoo which takes place from Friday, September 11, until Sunday, September 13.
An award-winning piper since the age of 10 when she won the Piobaireachd Competition at the final Strathclyde Police Piping Competition, Brìghde is a talented all-round musician who also plays the small pipes, whistles and piano. She is the youngest ever winner of a Junior Pìobaireachd Prize at the prestigious Northern Meeting and last year won the Overall Under 18 Trophy.
Traditionally, the lone piper plays at the close of a military tattoo, bringing the event to an end before the performers march out of the arena.
Highland Military Tattoo director, Major General Seymour Monro, said: “The tattoo is showcasing the talents of many young musicians from across the Highlands and we are delighted that a fine young piper of Brìghde’s calibre is joining us for this prestigious role.”
The largest annual military tattoo outside of Edinburgh, this family-friendly event provides a flavour of traditional and contemporary Highland culture, with highlights from The Military Band of The Royal Regiment of Artillery, the Pipe Bands of The Black Watch and The Highlanders.
Each evening gets off to a high-energy start with an RAF Typhoon fly-past each night.
Massed pipes and drums, local Highland dancers, military bands and an inter-Services competition, plus the wonderfully dramatic setting of Fort George combine to make this an event to remember.
This year’s tattoo also has a focus on high-quality local food and drink with a new improved catering and retail village where guests can enjoy a bite to eat before settling down for an evening celebrating the best of traditional and contemporary Highland culture, which culminates in a dazzling fireworks display that lights up the sky for miles around.
Performances take place at 8pm on Friday, September 11, 12 and 13 with gates opening at 5pm. There’s also a matinee performance at 3pm on Saturday, September 12, gates open at 1pm.
All profits from the events will be donated to Armed Forces charities. Tickets are available via Ticketline www.ticketline.co.uk/~
highland-military-tattoo or 0844 888 9991; at Eden Court box office on 01463 234234; or at the Highlanders’ Museum at Fort George on 0131 310 8701.