About the Tattoo: The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a world-class event, rooted in Scottish tradition, offering audiences an experience like no other. Performed to a live audience of 220,000 each year on the iconic Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, the Tattoo showcases creativity through music, precision performances and dance from military and cultural acts from around the globe.

The success of the Tattoo relies on the connection of performers, staff, and audiences and this enables us to contribute to Services and Arts charities each year. We’re looking for enthusiastic, passionate, and personable people to work with us and join our world-class team.

Duration: This is a temporary position from 25 July – 23 August 2025.

The rehearsal period will take place from 25 July – 31 July (including Preview Performance). The rehearsal schedule will be circulated in advance.

A normal working week is a minimum of 25.75 hours, between 19:00-23:00 daily Monday to Friday and 17:15-23:00 on Saturdays and Friday 22 August. You will be on duty for every performance.

Minimum call time of 4 hours.

Job Purpose Summary: To operate a spotlight from the lighting gantry of The Edinburgh Castle Arena for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, to enhance the visual special effects in the outdoor show and highlight key figures.

Key Duties:

• Safely, and responsibly, operate a spotlight above the crowd at the Tattoo.
• Check the functionality of allocated spotlight and associated equipment; report any faults to the crew chief.
• Ensure that no food or drink is consumed by anyone on the gantry.
• Keep gantries clear of equipment and potential trip hazards.
• Remain vigilant for and report any unauthorised access to the lighting gantry to the crew chief.
• Respond quickly to commands issued over the lighting network from the control room.
• Be prepared to light unexpected or unusual requests, out with the ‘normal’ cues.
• Safely switch off and stow the spotlight at the end of the Show.

NOTE:

The work is outdoors and as such, appropriate clothing is required to cover all possible weather conditions. Waterproof outer layers are supplied. Lockers and welfare facilities are available.

Essential Criteria:

• Good communication skills.
• A positive and flexible attitude.
• An understanding of lighting vocabulary and directions.
• Knowing your bearings and having a good sense of direction.
• Experience in the lighting industry.

Desirable Criteria:

• Understanding of military terminology.
• Experience spotlighting in an outdoor environment.

Based at: Edinburgh Castle Esplanade

Rate of Pay: £12.60 per hour