July 29, 2026

Pipes & Drums, “Quick March!” We’re off to the Edinburgh Tattoo again…

By ASR Paul Curd

They say that the years go around more quickly as you get older; I can testify to this for sure. It is true also with how fast the Royal Military Edinburgh Tattoo comes back around. It’s fair to say that it has become not only a prominent feature in my annual calendar, but an integral part of the ministry here in Edinburgh—especially among Pipers and Drummers, the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, key individuals within 51 Brigade and the staff of the Tattoo Company itself.

The Army, Navy & Royal Air Force (RAF) take turns to host the event and this year it’s the RAF’s turn. I am personally astonished that this will be my sixth Tattoo, my fourth as the resident Scripture Reader, and this year I am particularly looking forward to the RAF Colour Squadron with their world class drill-team display.

Inside the SASRA team room with a queue of solders and more sitting at a table and standing around — The SASRA Tea Room

Steve Dougherty talking to an aviator — Steve Dougherty speaking with an aviator

Refreshments this way sign — Directing performers to the SASRA Tea Room

Hands reaching for individually wrapped caramel logs and shortbread biscuits on a table with coffee cups and cans of fizzy drinks. — Performers enjoy the refreshments provided

ASR David Jamieson talking to two performers at the Tattoo rehearsals — ASR David Jamieson speaking with two performers

ASRs Patrick Steen, Paul Curd, Steve Dougherty and Gavin Dickson outside the SASRA tea room next to a banner that reads "Come in for a Brew..." — From left, ASRs Patrick Steen, Paul Curd, Steve Dougherty and Gavin Dickson

Three soldiers in camouflage uniforms stand near a sign that reads "Come in for a Brew..." outside a the SASRA tea room — Soldiers outside the SASRA Tea Room

Young cadets in uniform reading booklets lined up on a narrow table in a corridor with a small sign displayed. — Performers taking a look at the Bibles and other free literature

Large military formation in rows gathered outdoors with stone buildings and green hills in the background on a sunny day. — Performers during a rehearsal

Group photo of the SASRA team at the Tattoo — The SASRA Tattoo Team

Each year I get to attend the planning meetings, usually held at the Tattoo Company offices in Edinburgh city. It is a privilege to be at these meetings where I can glean relevant information to ensure that SASRA’s Pop Up Cafe Mission on Redford Barracks a roaring success. Coffee urns are ordered, donations of Scottish sweet treats have been requested, and thousands of disposable cups and wooden stirrers have already been delivered—all awaiting the arrival of the SASRA team—ASR’s, HQ Staff and volunteers—on Saturday 1 August.

As usual, it will be a very busy week:

Or will it? Once the team has departed and the Tattoo proper is underway, Scotland’s three Scripture Readers share the opportunity to build on the relationships and continue the conversations begun in Redford Barracks, as they get amongst the performers backstage, under the stands and up in the Castle itself alongside the military Chaplains—truly a privilege.

Please pray for this significant annual event, that the RAF personnel are impacted by the good news that Christ has come and that the RAF Scripture Readers are especially encouraged in their ongoing ministry at home on their respective Bases.