The last post sounds as Military Tattoo is axed

This year’s Highland Military Tattoo will be the last, after the organisers decided to axe it.

The board of The Highland Military Tattoo have taken the decision not hold another event, despite the tremendous praise for it in September this year, saying that another year of low attendance rates, the likelihood of increased costs for Ministry of Defence support and the Tattoo’s risky financial situation made it unsustainable.

The Tattoo attracted some 6,174 visitors this year, 843 more than in 2016 but still well short of the 8000 target- and in spite of increased marketing efforts and expenditure.

The commercial arms of the Ministry of Defence have greatly increased scrutiny of the military resources required for events such as the Tattoo as they seek value for money. Although the Tattoo aims to support the Armed Forces and their charities, MoD charges are likely to increase significantly in 2018 and beyond.

The Tattoo made small losses in each of its first three years, but this year made a larger loss as ticket sales fell short.

There were again grants from public bodies and many donations from businesses and private individuals, however these did not fill the gap between ticket sales and the cost of the event.

Tattoo director Major General Seymour Monro said: ‘The Highland Military Tattoo has been a fantastic event-everyone who has seen it has told us so. It has improved year on year and people really enjoy the whole experience at Fort George. It brought significant financial benefits to the region.

The Highland Military Tattoo has been axed

‘We have delivered this authentic, high quality performance for four years but we have come to the sad conclusion that it is not sustainable even though we have received a new, generous funding offer from Historic Environment Scotland who have a major stake in the Fort and its future. Simply put, we needed more bums on seats and more sponsorship including a headline sponsor.

‘The directors cannot go on shouldering the financial losses and I have nothing but praise for what the team have achieved. We are all enormously grateful to the many performers –especially the younger ones-who have produced really professional shows.

‘And praise too for all our excellent contractors without whom the Tattoos would not have happened and huge thanks to our generous supporters.

‘We are sure that the Highlands and Moray should have an annual Tattoo and that Fort George is the best place to hold it. I hope that in the future it may be possible to hold a Tattoo in the Highlands again.’

The Highland Council has responded to the news that the Board of The Highland Military Tattoo have taken the decision not hold another Tattoo.

Provost of Inverness Helen Carmichael said: ‘While we respect the decision of the Board of Directors of the Highland Military Tattoo, this is very sad news for the Highlands.

‘The Highland Council, largely through local Councillors and the Inverness Common Good Fund has supported the Tattoo for the past four years by providing over £70,000 worth of sponsorship. This funding was invested in the Tattoo – which was a high quality event – in the shoulder months of the tourism calendar with the aim of helping to attract domestic and overseas tourism to the area.

‘While Inverness and the Highland region are experiencing a bumper tourism year, we cannot remain complacent. The Highland Council and Inverness Common Good have done all that they can to support the Highland Military Tattoo along with other sponsors. However, the Tattoo’s board of directors have made it clear that without a headline sponsor they will not go on.

‘The inclusion of high quality year-round activities and events in the Inverness and the Highland tourism calendar are vital to the local economy and I would urge any businesses with a Highland footprint to consider their corporate social responsibilities and to support the Highland Military Tattoo as a headline sponsor.’

The Edinburgh Military Tattoo is unaffected.