Application Form 2025

Musical Director – Margaret Robertson

Applications are now being accepted for performers to join The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Fiddlers. The chosen team will perform in front of a live audience on Edinburgh Castle’s Esplanade at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2025.

We’re excited to bring you Tattoo nostalgia with a modern twist. The Heroes Who Made Us will run 1 – 23 August 2025 and celebrate the heroes of the Tattoo and our greatest hits from the last seven decades as we celebrate 75 years of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

The 2025 Tattoo Fiddlers are seeking talented volunteer fiddlers to form a group of 24 players in total supporting various elements of the Show.

Since its inception in 1950, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has raised over £12.5m for charitable causes, including funds to bolster traditional Scottish music and dance across Scotland. As we look ahead to the 2025 season, we are delighted to welcome applications from both new and returning volunteers to help us celebrate this momentous event and achieve this ambition.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will take place from 1-23 August 2025. Successful applicants must arrive in Edinburgh no later than Friday 25 July 2025 for rehearsals prior to performances commencing.

Who Should Apply

Applicants must be 18 years or over as of 25 July 2025 and must be a minimum Grade 5 Trinity Violin/Scottish Fiddle or ABRSM or equivalent. Applicants must have the ability to read, play and memorise written music quickly and accurately. Show music and sound files will be sent out in advance and must be learned prior to arrival in Edinburgh. Rehearsals will also be online prior to meeting in Edinburgh from May through to July. These will also be recorded giving the opportunity to watch back in your own time.

What Will Be Required

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is an iconic event, performing 25 shows across August. Therefore, most importantly, we are looking for individuals who have a positive attitude and are willing to commit to the full period required.

Fiddlers must be able to tune and produce a solid sound on the carbon fibre instruments which will be provided. You should provide your own shoulder rest.

Fiddlers should be aware this is an unpaid voluntary opportunity. All fiddlers are responsible for arranging and paying for their own travel costs both to and from Edinburgh. Accommodation and meals will be provided for all fiddlers for the duration of the Tattoo and including rehearsals.

Fiddlers will be under the direction of Margaret Robertson, Musical Director for the Tattoo Fiddlers.

We are looking for individuals with excellent dress, personal administration, punctuality and reliability to fulfill the requirements of the performance standard and the demands of the period of extensive rehearsals (often 12-hour days across the first week), opportunities to support hospitality events at the Castle in the evenings over and above the show and maintaining excellent standards throughout the 25-show run.

After the application/registration period successful applicants will be invited to an online audition. This will be a set prepared by you and a selection of music sent prior to the audition.

Application Stages

All applications should be returned by 6 Jan 2025

Confirmation of successful applicants and required auditions by 31 Jan 2025 with final confirmation by 7 February 2025 latest.

Successful applicants should confirm by 21^st Feb 2025

We welcome your applications!

Details
£1,400.00 per hour
Location: , , GB