Edinburgh Castle to simulate aircraft carrier during Tattoo

Edinburgh Castle's esplanade will be transformed into an aircraft carrier flight deck as this year's Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo puts the Royal Navy centre stage.

The display is in recognition of 2017 being the Year of the Royal Navy. Picture: Contributed

The finale of the world-renowned spectacle will feature a Lynx Mk III maritime helicopter, and a CGI projection on to the castle walls of an aircraft taking off from the deck.

The display is in recognition of 2017 being the Year of the Royal Navy, as well as Scotland’s role in building UK warships, the Ministry of Defence said.

Overall, hundreds of sailors and marines are set to star in the Tattoo, which is returning for its 68th season.

The Royal Navy will be further represented in the show by the massed bands of HM Royal Marines, and a 24-strong Royal Navy Guard of Honour will welcome the audience every night.

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said: “The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo represents all that is best in the UK’s Armed Forces.” The Tattoo will run from 4 to 26 August.