Lochaber youngster in Tattoo spotlight

Sandy Cameron from Roy Bridge

A talented Lochaber youngster will be taking centre stage at the Highland Military Tattoo.

17 year old piper Sandy Cameron from Roy Bridge has been chosen as the Lone Piper for this year’s inaugural Tattoo which takes place at Fort George outside Inverness from 4 – 7 September.  

Sandy started learning the pipes aged nine. Now a pupil of renowned tutor Iain MacFadyen from Kyle of Lochalsh, Sandy has gone on to win many prizes for his piping prowess.  Three times overall winner of the under 18 competition at the Northern Meeting, last year he won the MacGregor Memorial Piobaireachd Competition at the Argyllshire Gathering and now competes in adult competitions.

  Traditionally the Lone Piper plays at the close of a military tattoo, bringing the event to an end before the performers march out of the arena.  

Highland Military Tattoo Director, Major General Seymour Monro, said: “The Tattoo is showcasing the talents of many young local musicians and we are delighted that a fine young piper of Sandy’s calibre is joining us for this prestigious role.”  

Bringing together a mix of local, military and international acts, the Tattoo promises to be a stunning spectacle.  Kicking off with a flypast from an RAF Typhoon from RAF Lossiemouth, it will showcase to visitors and local people alike the best of traditional and contemporary Highland culture from fiddlers to pipe bands, Highland dancers to Gaelic singers.  

Military history will also play a major role in the production with soldiers from the Royal Regiment of Scotland acting out vignettes depicting the building of Fort George and the raising of the Seaforth Highlanders and the recruitment, training and departure of Highland soldiers to fight in the First World War.   

The Highland Military Tattoo forms part of Highland Homecoming 2014, a year-long programme of events alongside the Ryder Cup and Commonwealth Games.  

Support for the event has come from Event Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Inverness Common Good Fund and Highland Council.  

All profits from the events will be donated to Armed Forces charities. More information is available at http://www.highlandmilitarytattoo.com/ or by calling Ticketmaster Scotland on 0844 499 9990.  Tickets, priced from £10 to £30, are also available on this number or via the Ticketmaster Scotland website.  Booking fees apply.  

Ends  

14 Aug 2014