Following the success of its annual August extravaganza, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has announced that it will donate £1 million to 13 UK-based charitable military organisations and arts bodies this year which brings the total donated by the military spectacle to over £11 million since the event began in 1950…
A world showcase event, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo prides itself on delivering under the three guiding pillars of: Military Entertainment, Influence and Social Contribution. Supporting the latter, since 2016 the Tattoo has committed to donating £1 million every year going forward.
The majority of the funds (£775,000) will go to Armed Services beneficiaries including: The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, Scottish Amenities Fund, ABF The Soldier’s Charity, Army in Scotland Trust, Army Piping Committee, 51 Infantry Brigade Welfare Fund, Edinburgh Garrison Welfare Fund, RAF Benevolent Fund, and Scottish National War Memorial.
The news comes on the back of the 2018 show’s 20th consecutive sell-out year in Edinburgh. This year’s ‘The Sky’s the Limit’ showcase welcomed more than 1,200 international performers and 220,000 audience members to watch a 100-minute showcase of military pageantry, music, dance, technical wizardry and special effects in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle.
Rucelle Soutar, Head of Finance for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo said: “A strong component of this year’s donation has been awarded to organisations that will continue to engage people, especially young people, with the Armed Forces; support and care for veterans as well as inspiring the next generation of musicians and dancers. All of this will help to sustain the Tattoo and all that lies behind.
“The Tattoo’s impact reaches far beyond its annual show and it is a great privilege to be able to support such fantastic projects that will make a real difference to people. We’re very much looking forward to seeing the outcomes of the donations granted this year.”
Mandy Lindley of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity said: “We are truly grateful for the donation from The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo; it enables RNRMC to support our sailors, marines, veterans and their families whatever their needs. From family activities and marking homecomings to providing residential care for our older veterans, this donation will help us in so many ways.”
Brigadier (Ret’d) Robin Bacon, Chief of Staff at ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, said: “We are enormously grateful to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo for its incredible generosity and enduring support to The Soldiers’ Charity. The significant donation enables us to continue to help our soldiers, veterans and their families in time of need.”
Air Officer Scotland, Air Vice-Marshal Ross Paterson, said: “I am again thrilled and delighted to see the support of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo towards our RAF Family and those in need. The extraordinarily generous donation to the RAF Benevolent Fund, following the 2018 show, will make a huge difference to the lives of so many of our people, of all ages, and I am so grateful for their kind support.”
