Military Tattoo in Edinburgh - questions

The venue is set up in a U.

https://www.edintattoo.co.uk/the-show/the-venue

The best seats are at the bottom of the U with a straight view of the performers.(The premier seats and royal gallery)
But these are also the most expensive seats.

We had seats on the side, Section 14, in the front quarter. Those seats were fine. We rented a seat cushion and a blanket.
You get a side view, but the bands are moving all around. The view of the castle is unobstructed and you will see the fireworks just fine.

We also did the Dinner experience. Expensive but worth it!
The dinner experiences allowed us to show up at a separate entrance (so no waiting in line). We were escorted up to the dining area. The dinner was a nice experience, Gourmet haggis! two shots of whisky, etc.
The best part was after dinner. We were escorted down from the castle, we walked through a gauntlet of pipers on either side of us, all playing Scotland the Brave, as we were escorted to our seats.

You are correct, there are no performances on Sundays. FWIW, the dinner and show was for the 6:15 pm performance.
9:30 pm was just a bit too late for us.

I'm on their email list, and hope to get there in August at some point. I do know in doing some research there are some pricey seats that have some sort of cover over them, so as to no be rained on. Not sure exactly the seats, but something to look into with the added info that has been provided by others. I believe they go on sale the December prior.

We found it helps to be higher, in order to see the activities on the ground. It's a wonderful performance. Enjoy!

Derek,
This is perfect information. I was looking in the section you mention so that confirms my thoughts about the best viewing spot. And, the higher the better.
We will want the 6:15 time for dinner and the show, I’m glad to know this is worth it.
KD,
I will get on their email list; also, glad to know tickets go on sale in December.

Pat,
Thanks for the tip about the higher up seats, the better seats.

I’m very excited about the Tattoo.

I actually think the tickets go on sale in October,the area at tha bottom of the U shape that folk mention is the East stand which directly faces the castle.
Not been to the Tattoo for many years but as a child in the 60’s I went every year, my father worked for the local authorities and we got free tickets for the final dress rehearsal every year, great memories.
If you can,t get tickets or just want a feel for the show, just place yourself near the small roundabout where Castlehill, the Lawn market and St Johnstone Terrace all meet.At the end of the show the whole cast walk down this area to their buses on St Johnstone Terrace playing their instruments and you may even get a dancer or 3

Uncle Gus, thanks for the October date for ticket purchases. I will be checking frequently.
What wonderful memories you have of the Tattoo!

If time permits, I strongly recommend also visiting a Highland Games. We loved the Tattoo, and it was thrilling, but the Games we found possibly even more entertaining. They're like a combination of track-and-field meet, dancing competition, Highland music concert and American county fair wrapped up in one. August is prime season for Highland Games. They're all over northern Scotland.

You will also be in Edinburgh during the Fringe Festival. It will be crowded. It will be all over the Old Town area. Hawkers will be handing out flyers for their shows
You should definitely see what's showing on the different days and hours and evenings and attend a couple shows. Most are an hour or less. The admission cost is low. And there's a lot of funny, dramatic presentations. No need to pre- purchase tickets. Just get them at the door of each show.

Here's the website for the 2025 Fringe Festival to give you an idea of what it's like. The 2026 festival will be similar.

https://www.edinburghfestivalcity.com/festivals/edinburgh-festival-fringe

Jphbucks,
Thanks for the suggestion of the Highland games in Northern Scotland. I will check with the RS office to see if there will be an opportunity to do this while we are in the Highlands. Our tour is August 2-9.

Derek,
Thanks for the website for the Fringe Festival, that is also top of our list. We definitely want to experience these fun events!