Edinburgh Tattoo is a major attraction in the city.
A visitor's center has been constructed in an old
cistern called the Castlehill Reservoir that once
contained two million gallons of water.
The center contains an interactive exhibit, movie
theater, gift shop and rooftop cafe.
A reservoir of Edinburgh entertainment history
he Edinburgh's Military Tattoo is in the tank. That’s not bad – it’s good! Until recently when a Tattoo performance was over, it was over.
Now, The Spirit of the Tattoo visitor center has opened to the public and is literally in a tank – a 150-year old enclosed Victorian cistern that sits at the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Once it held over two million gallons of water, but now it receives guests from all over the world. Best of all, admission is free.
Originally the Castlehill Reservoir, which was constructed in 1849, supplied water to Edinburgh's New Town. It was taken out of service in 1992.
Now, the Scottish Capital's latest attraction, traces the history of Edinburgh's enduring entertainment experience over more than half a century.
"Many visitors to Edinburgh may never have the opportunity to see the Tattoo in August, so this year-round attraction, which presents the Tattoo's colorful story, will provide visitors with the essential essence of the event," commented Tattoo Chief Executive & Producer, Brigadier Melville Jameson.
The new center, whose aim is to be factual, enlightening, moving and engaging, contains hi-tech equipment and displays to help explain the Edinburgh Tattoo phenomenon.
Edinburgh's Lord Provost Lesley Hinds, who officially opened the new facility this morning, said: "I think it's fantastic that people visiting Edinburgh at any time of year will be able to experience some of the sights and sounds of the Tattoo. The center will also give those of us who have seen the Tattoo a fascinating look behind the scenes. What a great addition to the Tattoo experience."
Comprising an interactive exhibition, movie theatre, gift shop and rooftop cafe restaurant, the building, located in the shadow of historic Edinburgh Castle, is now home to a comprehensive review of Scotland's annual military showpiece.
Designed and conceived by Edinburgh design agency, Contagious, to create an enduring impact, possibly surpassed only by that of the Tattoo itself, the new facility has been constructed to provide an educational experience whilst engendering that all important first impression.
Said Contagious Design Director, Vaughan Yates:
"It is impossible to try and recreate the spectacle and atmosphere of the Tattoo within a visitor center. Our approach therefore focused on creating a home for the Tattoo where visitors will be able to discover the characters, the behind-the-scenes preparation, the history, and the global
influence which makes the Edinburgh Tattoo a success year after year." Generous support for this project has been received from Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothians.
Susan Watson, Head of SE Edinburgh and Lothian's Tourism team, said: "The Edinburgh Tattoo is a major international attraction which only last month won a coveted Thistle Award in recognition of its enduring success. Creating a year-round attraction based on its history is a welcome and innovative development."
Booking for next year's Tattoo (5-27 August) is open. Tickets, priced £10.00 to £35.50, can be obtained from the Tattoo Ticket Sales Office, 32-34 Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1QB, by facsimile on 0131 225 8627 and via the Internet at www.edintattoo.co.uk.
Telephone orders 08707 555 118.
