First Minister takes the salute at the Tattoo

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon headed for the Castle Esplanade this evening to take the salute at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

She was greeted by Brigadier David Allfrey and escorted to the Royal Box to watch this year’s Kaleidoscope which pays homage to Sir David Brewster, the Scottish physicist who created the optical invention.

Ms Sturgeon took part in ceremonial duties at the beginning of the show, which involves an exchange of good wishes with the evening’s Lone Piper, Bdr Caleb Beattie, 19 Regiment Royal Artillery (The Scottish Gunners).

The Tattoo runs until 24 August with an audience of around 8,800 each night.

All photos Ian Georgeson