Record crowds are expected to attend a top north event this weekend which showcases the best of both Highland and military culture and traditions.
Ticket sales are booming for the ever-popular Highland Military Tattoo at Fort George in Ardersier, and they have already surpassed last year’s figures.
Locals and tourists alike flock to the event – the fourth to be held at the historic fort.
This year everyone is in for a treat with new acts, including the Queen’s Colour Squadron drill display team of the RAF Regiment, traditional dance teams, youth musicians as well as numerous local performers.
The RAF Regiment is celebrating its 75th anniversary and there will be plenty of displays by aircraft – including one from WW1 – as well as a fly past to mark the occasion.
Major General Seymour Monro , the tattoo director, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming so many people, from so far, to our Highland tattoo.
“A wonderful selection of pipes and drums, the Military Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, historical vignettes and air displays including a Typhoon fly past, shall no doubt wow the audiences.
“The now famous fireworks display will round off proceedings prior to a performance from our lone piper, Archie Drennan from Drumnadrochit, marking the conclusion of the event.
“There’s so much to see and so much of it very different from last year.”
The aircraft on display include a SE5A biplane, a fighter aircraft from the First World War, a Sopwith Camel and a Spitfire.
The major added: “It is superb to have this amazing collection of aircraft from WW1 to the present day. I am most grateful to all those who lent them to us. It’s going to be a great show.”
Re-enactors will also be performing in the catering and retail village and guides will be on hand to show visitors around the famous fort.
There will be plenty of free parking spaces at the fort and a timetable for a shuttle bus, which will run to and from Inverness city centre, for all performances, is available on the tattoo’s website, www.highlandmilitarytattoo.co.uk
There is a choice of three evening performances and one matinee at the event between Friday and Sunday and tickets can be bought via the website.
They are also available from the Highlander’s Museum at Fort George, the Eden Court theatre in Inverness and on the gate each day.
