Warm welcome for head of Indian Navy at Edinburgh Castle

Last night Brigadier David Allfrey, Chief Executive and Producer of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo welcomed the Republic of India’s Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba to Edinburgh Castle, the home of the Tattoo.

Senior Piper Major Ross McCrindle heralded the arrival at the drawbridge before the Admiral enjoyed dinner in the Officers’ Mess and a tour of the battlements.

Performers from the Indian Navy took part in the Tattoo in 2017 during the 70th anniversary year of Indian Independence.

Edinburgh Tattoo Producer and Chief Executive Brigadier David Allfrey pictured at Edinburgh Castle with Pipe Major Ross McRindle and Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba and his wife Reena who are on a four day visit to the UK.

Brigadier Allfrey said: “We are all about bringing people together to experience each other’s culture, to build trust and explore opportunities. The Show has a fabulous track record of celebrating our individual and collective identities and marking common heritage. India and Great Britain have so much shared history and hopefully a wonderful shared future. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to host Admiral and Mrs Lanba in Edinburgh as part of their visit to the United Kingdom.”

Admiral Lanba said: “We have been beautifully looked after by Defence, the Armed Services and the Tattoo on this trip. We have enjoyed a range of interesting and purposeful discussions. The moments in Edinburgh with the Tattoo and the great Castle have added special colour and warmth. We are all seeking to operate in a connected world where so many challenges and opportunities are shared. It pays huge dividends to understand different perspectives and come together as friends.”

Commodore Saxena, India’s Naval Attaché for nearly three years in London added:“I was thrilled to work with Brigadier David and his team to showcase the Indian Navy Band at the Tattoo in 2017 and we have formed close bonds with him and his organisation. The live and TV audiences have so enjoyed the colour, vibrancy and precision of our Naval Band and I hope this might lead to further exchanges in the future.”