Today started off with practice, continuing to fine tune the playing, our marching and overall performance. After an early lunch, we hopped on our bus for the much anticipated trip to Edinburgh. We were released to parents between 2 pm and 7pm.
Edinburgh was so busy with the fringe festival on for the month of August. There were thousands of people everywhere up the Royal Mile and around the central city. A few of us shopped, others wandered and some took a hop-on-off bus to relax.
We were lucky enough to get a "Behind the Scenes Tour" of the Edinburgh Castle and Tattoo preparations before the show.
Richard arranged for Captain Ross McCrindle, Pipe Major of the Scots Guards (in charge of the pipers for this years Tattoo) to provide some information to us. It was a interesting and a wonderful opportunity to watch the pipers tune up prior to playing. This is the first time the band has been afforded this privilege.
The Tattoo itself was a cacophony of colour, music and military formations which has obviously been well rehearsed and practised. Those performing are required to audition and then attend the week prior to opening for very intensive practice and rehearsals before performing 1-2 times a day for three weeks It is a huge commitment.
Without exception we all enjoyed the experience, although a rather quiet trip home arriving back to Stirling at 1 am. Thanks to the staff that went with us today!
