MacGregors centre stage in greatest show on Earth

Lights, cameras, action (after some fortifications, of course). Fiona and the chief march with their clansmen in the Tattoo

Well, we did it! Marching at the Tattoo, banners flying, kilts swinging, pipes wailing… Scotland’s clans have been taking part in this year’s Edinburgh Castle musical military jamboree. And this week it is our turn to take to the legendary stage. The theme is a Splash of Tartan and we do our best. Me in a full-length MacGregor red and green coat and hat. The chief in his best red and black kilt and plaid, three eagle’s feathers in a jaunty bonnet.

We are joined in our efforts by two more not-to-be-trifled-with names. The Buchanans stem from Loch Lomond and they arrive in green, yellow and red. The Hannays are from Galloway and are clad in white and blue tartan.

The Buchanans fought at Bannockburn for Robert the Bruce. The Hannays, meanwhile, supported John Baliol against Robert the Bruce.

Whisper it, but the MacGregors also supported Balliol, rather than Bruce. Then, as the chief says, Clan Gregor was always on the wrong side… On this night, though, we seem to be doing something right. After fortifying ourselves in the Royal McGregor pub, we proudly process up the Royal Mile.

With us are Americans, Germans and a glamorous French lady. They are either MacGregors by blood or adopted MacGregors. Some have joined us after hearing romantic stories of the Children of the Mist. Others are lured in by a link to the legendary Rob Roy. With three pipers leading our small tartan army, we are now street theatre. A party of Japanese tourists thinks we are part of the Fringe. They chatter excitedly, flash their cameras and follow on.

At the castle we are met by a handsome officer from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. Mike Houston comes from Forfar and he escorts us into the Great Hall where arms and armour cram the walls. Then a rather amusing and very efficient sergeant major details who must march where and when. He barks out orders and taps his pace-stick in the palm of his hand. It sharpens us up – not that we need more sharpeners after our pub visit.

To the cheers of the Jacobite clan re-enactors we march down to the gates. They swing slowly open and we take a deep breath. A great roar goes up from the crowd and there we are – lights, cameras, action. Six thousand people cheering and

With three pipers leading our small tartan army, we are now street theatre

waving us on to the esplanade.

It is a rare moment of MacGregor glory. A chance for this once-outlawed clan to shine. The chief is given a quaich of whisky. He drinks and turns the vessel upside down. He then kisses it to show there is not a drop left.

We take our seats and the real stars come on. The famed massed pipes and drums, an Indian naval band, a Japanese self-defence band and some dancing French marines.

Shetland fiddle music resounds around the castle ramparts. The Edinburgh Tattoo is called the greatest show on Earth and, for this night, I cannot but agree.

Picture: Mark Owens. The Ionach Highlanders get their moment in the limelight.