NEW ZEALAND dancers perform a rousing tribal dance as they rehearse for tonight's opening of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

The men and women were among 1,000 performers who took part in the rehearsal on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle last night.

This year's theme is "Our Home, Friends and Family" and takes inspiration from Scots who have travelled the world maintaining their heritage before returning home to share their experiences.

Brigadier David Allfrey, chief executive and producer, said: "It is invigorating to visit new places, meet new people, but always it is uplifting to come home."

Picture: David Cheskin