Warplane flypast to mark start of Highland Military Tattoo
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An aerial display from a World War 1 British fighter plane will set the scene for this year’s Highland Military Tattoo, marking the 100th anniversary of the single-seater’s appearance over the Western Front in 1917 and the 75th anniversary of the Royal Air Force Regiment.
The SE5A biplane, fondly referred to as the ‘Spitfire of the Great War’’ and highly-regarded as one of the fastest aircraft of its time, will fly overhead signalling the call for the crowd to be seated so the celebrations can begin.
The aircraft will be based at an airfield near Dingwall for the duration of the Highland Tattoo, appearing at each of the four performances, including the Saturday matinee.
The Tattoo is a key fixture in the region’s event calendar showcasing a range of traditional, contemporary and military acts.
It is being held for the fourth year running at Fort George near Ardersier from September 8-10.
There were doubts last year about its future after it emerged the event had accumulated losses of nearly £40,000 – and there was also disappointment over the lower-than-expected turnout at last year’s shows.
However, the event’s director Seymour Monro said this year’s event promised to be a spectacular show, even bigger and better than before.
He said: "Additional features, including an RAF Typhoon fly past, the military band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, massed pipe bands, Highland dancing, an Inter-Armed Forces competition, a clarsach and fiddle group, Gaelic singing and a fantastic firework display, shall make it different from previous Tattoos at Fort George and this promises to be a terrific event."
Ticket prices vary depending on stand and performance time.
Prices start at around £11 and are available online at www.ticketline.co.uk or www.highlandmilitarytattoo.co.uk
They are also on sale at the Highlanders’ Museum shop at Fort George and Eden Court Theatre.
