The heart of Moray’s biggest town will come alive with music later this week when residents are treated to a preview of the upcoming Highland Military Tattoo.
One of the main acts taking part in this weekend’s spectacular at Fort George, near Inverness, will descend on Elgin to showcase their skills.
The Band of The Royal Marines Scotland will march from the Royal Mail depot on West Road along the town’s High Street and then onto the historic Plainstones to perform.
Tattoo director Major General Seymour Monro, said the yearly preview events were now a staple of the popular gathering.
He said: “Our previews have become a Tattoo tradition and the bands are always very enthusiastic about getting out and entertaining people around the area.
“It’s just a taste of the fantastic musical talent which will be putting on a fabulous show at Fort George this weekend.”
The Band of The Royal Marines Scotland provide music at a wide range of forces events, from homecoming ceremonies to ship launches.
Most members of the band play two instruments, but some are required to play three.
The multi-talented instrumentalists are required to play different types of music while preparing for performances, to ensure their skills remain sharp.
RAF Lossiemouth’s Military Wives Choir will be making its debut performance at the event, and the Fochabers Fiddlers will return after helping to launch the annual extravaganza in 2014.
Last week, the Fochabers-based Gordon and Ena Baxter foundation announced the creation of a new trophy, which will be presented to the young performer judged to have improved the most since last year.
They hope it will encourage more youngsters into learning time-honoured songs and dances.
The Highland Military Tattoo runs each evening from Friday to Sunday, with a matinee performance on Saturday.
The Elgin preview takes place on Friday at 12.30pm.
Tickets for this year’s Tattoo are on sale from Ticketline, Eden Court and The Highlanders’ Museum at Fort George.
Tickets will also be available for sale at the band’s performance in Elgin, a mobile box office at Falcon Square, Inverness and on the door on the day.
More information is available at www.highlandmilitarytattoo.com.
