The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Fiddlers

Application Form 2026

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 2026.

A Call to Gather will run 7 – 29 August 2026. A Show rooted in Scottish identity, where the gathering of clans becomes a gathering of nations, allies, friends, and kindred spirits.

The 2026 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 £13m for charitable causes, including funds to bolster traditional Scottish music and dance across Scotland. As we look ahead to the 2026 season, we are delighted to welcome applications from both new and returning volunteers to help us celebrate this momentous event and help us achieve these charitable ambitions.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will take place from 7 –29 August 2026. Successful applicants must arrive in Edinburgh no later than Friday 31 July 2026 for rehearsals prior to performances commencing.

Who Should Apply

Applicants must be 18 years or over as of 31 July 2026 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 a unique event, and an icon in the British events calendar, 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.

• Tattoo Fiddlers will be under the direction of Margaret Robertson MBE, Musical Director for the REMT Fiddlers.
• Tattoo Fiddlers should be aware this is an unpaid voluntary arrangement. 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.
• Successful applicants 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.
• Tattoo Fiddlers are likely to contribute heavily to the many hospitality packages by entertaining guests’ pre-show. All fiddlers will be expected to take part in this as required, sharing the responsibility fairly across the show run.
• Tattoo Fiddlers may also be asked to greet audience or attend VIP events in the Royal Gallery. If asked you will be expected to honour the request.

We are looking for individuals with excellent dress, personal administration, punctuality and reliability to fulfil 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 Monday 5 January 2026.

Confirmation of successful applicants or required auditions by Friday 23 January 2026 with final confirmation by Monday 26 January 2026.

Successful applicants should confirm by Wednesday 4 February 2026

We welcome your applications!