‘Huge honour’ to be taking the salute at Edinburgh Tattoo, says Ian Murray

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray has said it will be a “huge honour” to take the salute at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

The Edinburgh South MP will be the “salute taker” for Friday’s show, which will see him take up a position in the Royal Box for the world-famous music, marching, dance and fireworks extravaganza.

He will be joined by VE Day veterans George McLeod and Margaret Landels, as well as staff and volunteers from Scottish veterans’ charities.

Mr McLeod served in the Home Guard before enlisting in 1944 at the age of 18, when he became a driver for his Company Commander and travelled to Ireland, Belgium and Germany.

Ms Landels was also 18 when she enlisted in the Wrens, after seeing a recruitment poster while walking along Edinburgh’s George Street.

Initially serving in Lowestoft in Suffolk, she was later moved to Port Edgar in South Queensferry, where she has fond memories of distributing mail to sailors excited to be receiving news from home.

The trio will be joined at the show by representatives from the armed forces charities Bravehound, Fighting with Pride, Lothian Veterans Centre and Erskine.

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray described the Tattoo as a ‘key part’ of Scotland’s cultural offer. PA Media

Speaking ahead of the event, Mr Murray said it will be an opportunity to “recognise and thank” Scotland’s service men and women.

“It is a huge honour to take the salute at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, at a performance which will honour Scotland’s military personnel,” he said.

“The UK Government’s support for Scotland’s armed forces is absolutely unwavering, and it is right that we recognise and thank them for all they do.

“Coming just after VJ Day, it is a fitting opportunity to honour Scotland’s service men and women.

“I am very pleased that I will be joined by representatives of charities who do so much to support Scottish veterans.

“The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a key part of Scotland’s cultural offer, attracting audiences from around the world, and with a significant overseas presence.

“I was very pleased to sign a Brand Scotland partnership deal with the Tattoo in Washington earlier this year, and I look forward to working with them to continue to sell the best of Scotland all round the world.”

The Tattoo is now in its 75th year, with the 2025 show running until August 23 with the theme The Heroes Who Made Us.