The term ‘tattoo’ originally meant an evening drum or bugle signal that recalled soldiers to their quarters, and came to signify any military performance. The first official Edinburgh Military Tattoo took place in 1950, when around 6,000 people gathered at Edinburgh Castle. Renamed The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 2010, the event features military displays, music, and international cultural performance.
Each year the Edinburgh Royal Warrant Holders Association holds a Scottish buffet supper for members and their guests at The Caledonian hotel, before walking up the hill to the Castle.