RUCELLE SOUTAR, ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO

Chief operating officer Rucelle Soutar took up the position in 2018 having previously been head of finance. Here she talks about the impact of coronavirus and her favourite Tattoo memories:

What is your own history with the Tattoo?

I was brought up in Dumfries and did not have much opportunity to go to the Tattoo as a young child. However, my parents were from Edinburgh and would talk about the Tattoo and watch it on TV every year. Seeing it in person and as an employee in 2014 blew me away – the performers, the technology, and the effects. I couldn’t believe the way the show had developed, and it continues to do so every year in its 70-year history.

My favourite memory of the Tattoo is definitely 2018, I was appointed COO that year and we also celebrated the 100th anniversary of the RAF. We told the story beautifully and I remember when I saw the show on opening night, I was in awe of how it had all come together. I was also part of the team when we donated our first £1m to charity in 2016.

The charitable element of the organisation is very important to me so it was a really proud moment.

What are you going to miss most this August?

The atmosphere and excitement that an August in Edinburgh normally brings. There is nothing better than seeing audiences from around the world descend on our city and take in our show on Edinburgh Castle’s Esplanade as well as all the other Festival activities.

What are you most looking forward to next year when it returns?

Watching the pipes and drums as they march out onto Edinburgh Castle’s Esplanade. The traditional elements of the show are some of my favourites.

Do you think the coronavirus is going to be a challenge for the Tattoo going forward given that it is such an international event?

Like all businesses and organisations, we are navigating through the weeks and months ahead and at present, we don’t know how it will impact.

However, we have been working behind the scenes with our dedicated team who continue to provide the inspiring vision and leadership needed to further develop the work the Tattoo does and has done for 70 years.