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PRESS
RELEASES
Tattoo's
New Visitor Attraction Opens
Posted
1st December 2004
There
has, until now, been nowhere to tell the compelling story of Edinburgh's
Military Tattoo, descriptively, graphically and entertainingly.
But
today, to remedy this, within a 150-year old Victorian Reservoir
at the top of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, sees the opening of the
Tattoo's new £150,000 free-to-access visitor attraction
- Spirit of the Tattoo.
Originally,
the Castlehill Reservoir, a large enclosed cistern containing
a two million-gallon tank, constructed in 1849 to supply water
to Edinburgh's New Town, it was finally taken out of service in
1992.
Now,
it is the Scottish Capital's latest attraction, tracing the history
of Edinburgh's enduring entertainment experience over more than
half a century.
"Many
visitors to Edinburgh may never have the opportunity to see the
Tattoo in August, so this year-round attraction, which presents
the Tattoo's colourful story, will provide visitors with the essential
essence of the event," commented Tattoo Chief Executive &
Producer, Brigadier Melville Jameson.
The
new centre, whose aim is to be factual, enlightening, moving and
engaging, contains hi-tech equipment and displays to help explain
the Edinburgh Tattoo phenomenon.
Edinburgh's
Lord Provost Lesley Hinds, who officially opened the new facility
this morning, said: "I think it's fantastic that people visiting
Edinburgh at any time of year will be able to experience some
of the sights and sounds of the Tattoo. The centre will also give
those of us who have seen the Tattoo a fascinating look behind
the scenes. What a great addition to the Tattoo experience."
Comprising
an interactive exhibition, movie theatre, gift shop and rooftop
café restaurant, the building, located in the shadow of
historic Edinburgh Castle, is now home to a comprehensive review
of Scotland's annual military showpiece.
Designed
and conceived by Edinburgh design agency, Contagious, to create
an enduring impact, possibly surpassed only by that of the Tattoo
itself, the new facility has been constructed to provide an educational
experience whilst engendering that all important first impression.
Said
Contagious Design Director, Vaughan Yates: "It is impossible
to try and recreate the spectacle and atmosphere of the Tattoo
within a visitor centre. Our approach therefore focused on creating
a home for the Tattoo where visitors will be able to discover
the characters, the behind-the-scenes preparation, the history,
and the global influence which makes the Edinburgh Tattoo a success
year after year."
Generous
support for this project has been received from Scottish Enterprise
Edinburgh and Lothians.
Susan
Watson, Head of SE Edinburgh and Lothian's Tourism team, said:
"The Edinburgh Tattoo is a major international attraction
which only last month won a coveted Thistle Award in recognition
of its enduring success. Creating a year-round attraction based
on its history is a welcome and innovative development."
Booking
for next year's Tattoo (5-27 August) also opens today. Tickets,
priced £10.00 to £35.50, can be obtained from the
Tattoo Ticket Sales Office, 32-34 Market Street, Edinburgh EH1
1QB, by facsimile on 0131 225 8627 and via the Internet at www.edintattoo.co.uk
Telephone orders may be made on 08707 555 118 from December 6.
-Ends-
- Click
here for more information on The Spirit of The Tattoo
Visitor Centre.
For
further information, please contact:
The
Tattoo Office Tel: 0131 225 4783
32 Market Street Fax: 0131-225 8627
Edinburgh EH1 1QB Web. www.edintattoo.co.uk
Email: administration@edintattoo.co.uk
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