Ian Murray recruits Edinburgh Tattoo to promote ‘Brand Scotland’ overseas

A new deal with the famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will help to “champion” Scotland across the globe, Scottish Secretary Ian Murray has claimed.

Mr Murray is to sign a strategic partnership with Tattoo chiefs while in Washington DC for Tartan Week – which promotes Scotland in the United States.

A total of 30 performers from the “iconic” Tattoo – which plays to packed-out audiences at Edinburgh Castle every summer – will join him on the visit, with pipers, drummers, fiddle players and dancers all set to perform outside the US Capitol building.

Drummers, pipers and dancers from the Tattoo will swap Edinburgh Castle for the US Capitol building on Tuesday (Jane Barlow/PA). PA Media

It comes as part of efforts by the Scotland Office to boost “Brand Scotland”, promoting Scottish produce in a bid to help economic growth.

It is hoped the presence of Tattoo performers in the US and on future trade missions will encourage investment and help promote Scotland overseas.

Mr Murray said: “Scotland has an enviable international reputation, with our culture, products and services renowned worldwide.

“This partnership with the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – one of Scotland’s most iconic cultural institutions – will help us champion Brand Scotland across the world.”

The Scottish Secretary said: “Kickstarting growth is the key to delivering the Government’s plan for change, and selling Scotland to the world will deliver that.

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray stressed the importance of ‘kickstarting growth’ to the UK Government (Lucy North/PA). PA Media

“This Tartan Week we will be celebrating Scottish culture and seeking new opportunities for growth.

“I can think of no better way to start than with a performance by the Tattoo in front of an iconic building.”

As well as performing in front of the US Capitol – which houses both the House of Representatives and the US Senate – the Tattoo performers will march with the Secretary of State down 6th Avenue in New York as part of the annual Tartan Day parade on Saturday April 5.

The Tattoo will then go on to support “Brand Scotland” in trade missions in Japan and Australia later in the year.

Jason Barrett, chief executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, we are delighted to partner with Brand Scotland to bring the very best of Scotland to the USA for Tartan Week.

“Showcasing Scottish heritage on the global stage is at the heart of the Tattoo and we are thrilled to inspire audiences while promoting Scotland not just in the USA, but around the world.”