Tattoo grandstand set to rise

Edinburgh Military Tattoo bosses have confirmed that a new multi-million-pound grandstand will be in place for the start of next year's spectacular.

The 16 million project, which is being partly funded by the Scottish Government, marks an end to the temporary stands which have been used on the Esplanade for the last 35 years.

A spokesman for the Tattoo said the new arena would be ready for the first performance of next year's Tattoo on August 5.

The city council granted planning approval for the new, taller stands in October last year, and is providing 3m towards the cost.

It is also borrowing 6m on behalf of the Tattoo to help fund the work. The remainder will come from ticket revenues and sponsorship.