Use of drones during The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2025

Legal & Privacy
1

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has contacted us to request that we inform our members about a series of Temporary Flight Restriction zones that will be in place around Edinburgh Castle over the coming weeks.

As part of the 75th anniversary celebrations of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the 2025 production will feature a coordinated display of 100 synchronised drones during the show’s finale.

Performances will take place from 31 July to 23 August, running Monday to Saturday. The drone finale will occur during the final moments of each performance, shortly before 11:00pm. Additional earlier performances will be held on each Saturday and on Friday 22 August, with the finale in those cases taking place before the show concludes at 7:45pm.

In collaboration with Police Scotland, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo would like to respectfully remind the public that personal drone use during the event is strictly regulated for safety. While many may wish to capture the experience, all drone operators are requested to act responsibly, maintain a safe distance from the venue, and comply with all applicable aviation regulations.

To ensure public safety and security, a temporary airspace restriction will be enforced over Edinburgh Castle from 15:00 to 23:59 on each day of a performance.

Temporary Flight Restriction Zone Map
Temporary Flight Restriction Zone Map3740×2520 8.31 MB

This restriction applies to all aircraft, including drones, and unauthorised operation within this zone may constitute a criminal offence.

Responsible drone use is essential to safeguard both spectators and performers. In the event of any unauthorised or unsafe drone activity, the drone element of the show may need to be suspended, and we clearly would like to avoid that outcome.

This event is a celebration for the entire city. We encourage all attendees to enjoy the experience responsibly and considerately, helping ensure the smooth running of what promises to be a memorable spectacle for all, and appreciate your support in spreading the word amongst the responsible drone operator’s community in making that happen.

Tagging @group-scotland for awareness.

16 Likes
2

Thanks for tagging. I’ve a wedding to film next week in the Cowgate too, slap bang in the middle of the drone swarm route.

3 Likes
3

If the drone display is good, it will be a significant improvement to the highly over-priced (and perpetually sold-out!) show. The brief fireworks display at the end of the performance in the last 20+ years was always underwhelming, especially in comparison to the excellent (and free) New Year’s Eve firework display.

In a way I am also slightly surprised that 15:00-23:59 has to be imposed. Edinburgh attracts massive numbers of tourists for the whole of August, and most drone flying in the yellow area marked would come at a risk to the uninvolved. I have got away with a flight from Calton Hill (top right in the map) to the Castle (blue hexagon), but it involved an early start and a late Autumn date.

2 Likes
4

Tonight’s drone light show has been cancelled due to Storm Floris.

https://x.com/EdinburghTattoo/status/1952100912006074390

1 Like
5

They should use a “few hundred” Matrices … that would impress the crowds. Just the cost alone … :stuck_out_tongue:

There may be none to impress, of course.

2 Likes