The Edinburgh Military Tattoo is to move beyond the capital next year, First Minister Alex Salmond announced today.
The Edinburgh Military Tattoo is to move beyond the capital next year, First Minister Alex Salmond announced today.
Four additional satellite shows will be arranged for Scotland's Year of Homecoming in 2009.
The venues and locations have yet to be confirmed, although the events will all be free.
"The Edinburgh Military Tattoo is one of the summer highlights - a spectacular show that sees Edinburgh Castle transformed into a dazzling stage set," Mr Salmond said at a reception for directors of the Edinburgh Festivals.
"That's why I'm delighted that next year it will be widening access and enabling more Scots across the country to be a part of the experience.
"For homecomers this will open up opportunities to explore Edinburgh and beyond and to be a part of the historic extension of the Military Tattoo."
The year of homecoming is aimed at the Scottish Diaspora around the world, as well as anyone with a connection or interest in Scotland.
Hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected to attend a series of events from Burns night in January to St Andrews Day in November.
The year of Homecoming coincides with the 250th anniversary of the birth of national poet Robert Burns and the 2009 Tattoos will feature a Burns theme.
The Scottish Arts Council has pledged an additional £250,000 to boost the line-up of activities being developed.
"With the Year of Homecoming fast approaching, the Edinburgh Festival has now become a living, vibrant invitation for people around the world to return in 2009 to celebrate Scotland's creative connections," Mr Salmond added.
"Across the Edinburgh Festivals - the International Festival, the Fringe, the Book Festival, the Science Festival, Film Festival and Winter Festivals - there are plans to take part in the Homecoming celebrations.
"Already a programme is taking shape that promises national celebration not to be missed."
Among the other highlights will be the Gathering 2009 in July, one of the largest clan gatherings in history, which will see a Highland games in Holyrood park, a parade up the Royal Mile and clan pageant in Edinburgh Castle esplanade.
