Organisers of the Highland Military Tattoo have officially launched their campaign to promote this year’s spectacle at Fort George.
The event will take place from September 8-10 at the military base near Inverness.
Early efforts to promote it will include an exhibition at Scotland’s major travel expo in Glasgow with VisitScotland at the end of this month, which follows a presentation in Edinburgh last week.
Social media will also play a pivotal role through use of the #HighlandTattoo.
The drive comes after organisers of the tattoo received a grant of £20,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise in February, to help promote and market the event to an international audience.
Tattoo director, Major General the Hon Seymour Monro, said: “The Highland Military Tattoo is a really authentic tattoo which showcases highland and military heritage in the iconic setting of Fort George. This tattoo ‘does what it says on the tine.’ It is what visitors to a military fortress in the Highlands of Scotland would expect to see and hear.
“Our aim is to make the Highland Military Tattoo a well-attended annual event on the Highland and Moray’s calendar. drawing in a local and worldwide audience. The board is looking forward to a hugely successful Highland Military Tattoo 2017.”
The tattoo has been held at Fort George since it was revived in 2014 and will be held this year between September 8 and 10.
Fears had been raised for the future of the showpiece event last year because of small crowds at Fort George – leading to a £40,000 loss over the last three editions.
But the organisers announced before Christmas they would press on with plans for the 2017 event after months of uncertainty about the tattoo’s future.
This year’s Tattoo will be based around an RAF theme and will also feature reenactments celebrating he history of Fort George itself and the soldiers who have served there.
Massed pipe bands, a military band, armed forces displays, a new overseas act, traditional Highland dancers, singing and competitions also feature, with an additional aerial display from a World War I aircraft, an RAF Typhoon fly-past and spectacular fireworks to complete the family event.
Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online at
http://www.ticketline.co.uk/highlandmilitary-tattoo#bio
Additionally, tickets can also be purchased at The Highlanders Museum at Fort George or at any Tourist Information Centre.
