Tickets are now available for one of the most rousing events in the Highland 2007 calendar: the RBS Inverness Highland Tattoo at Fort George.

One of the key events of InvernessFest, the new cultural festival to be held in Inverness between the 15 and 29 July, the RBS Inverness Highland Tattoo takes place at Fort George from Wednesday 25 July to Saturday 28 July.

The Inverness Tattoo, usually held at The Northern Meeting Park in Inverness and now in its 56th year, is regarded as one of the summer highlights in the city and attracts audiences from all over the world. This year, for the first time, and with support from the world famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Unique Events will bring elements of Edinburgh’s international programme to the Highlands in a very special production to celebrate Highland 2007.

In the spectacular setting of Fort George, one of the best preserved military fortresses in Europe, military bands, massed pipes and drums, displays and some surprise guests will feature in a full scale military tattoo.

Details of the line up are still being finalised but one of the highlights at Fort George will undoubtedly be The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra. Other performers will include the Golden Lions Parachute Display Team, The Pipes and Drums of The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, The Imps Youth Motorcycle Display Team, The Highland Tattoo Dancers and Military Bands; the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, The Lowland Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and The Royal Signals Northern Band.

This is an all seated (unreserved) outdoor event set in one of the most dramatic, historic backdrops in Scotland. Fort George is approximately a 20 minute drive from Inverness.

Tickets are now on sale, priced £15 (£10 for children under 12) with group discounts available. Details of a bus service from Inverness will be announced shortly. Shows begin at 8.30pm (gates open at 7.30pm) Wednesday to Friday (25 - 27 July) and 9pm (gates 8pm) on Saturday (28 July).

For full ticket details see the Highland 2007 website at www.highland2007.com  

Alison Magee, chair of Highland 2007, said: “We are delighted that Unique Events and the Inverness Tattoo, with advice from the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, have created one of the most exciting and eagerly anticipated events in the Highland 2007 calendar at a truly iconic Highland location.

“The RBS Inverness Highland Tattoo at Fort George in 2007 will be a fitting tribute to the important part military history has played in Highland life.”

Pete Irvine of event producers Unique Events added: “This is the first time we’ve produced a military tattoo. However, the advice and support we have received from Brigadier Mel Jameson CBE, former producer of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and Roddy Wood from the Inverness Tattoo has been invaluable. We are excited to be bringing world class acts of the calibre seen in Edinburgh to the Highlands.”

Roddy Wood, chairman of Inverness Tattoo Committee, commented: ”We are delighted the annual Inverness Tattoo is moving to Fort George as part of Highland 2007. For this year only the fantastic military setting at Fort George will enhance the superb programme we have put together with the help of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Unique Events.”

Nick Johnston, RBS Regional Manager, said: “Having had a presence in the north of Scotland for well over 170 years we are delighted to be supporting Highland 2007 through our sponsorship of the RBS Inverness Highland Tattoo. This will be a unique event and an excellent showcase for the cultural heritage of the region.”

Additional support for the RBS Inverness Highland Tattoo was received from EventScotland.

The co-operation of the Army in Scotland and Historic Scotland has helped to make this event possible.

For more information about Highland 2007 visit www.highland2007.com