A troupe of Southland bagpipers and drummers have just returned from Scotland after performing to over 200,000 spectators at the prestigious Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

One of Edinburgh International Festival's major attractions, the tattoo has been staged every year since 1950, except in 2020 and 2021 when the COVID-19 pandemic forced its cancellation.

Faye and Royden Brown at this years Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Photo: Supplied

Southlanders Royden and Faye Brown (Otautau), Lawrence McKerchar (Lumsden), Graeme Finlayson (Dipton) and Andy Hall (Thornbury) all performed at this year's tattoo as part of the Pipes and Drums of Christchurch City .

The band, which specialises in performing at international tattoos and festivals, also included former Southlanders Merv Gunn (Cromwell) and Doug McDonald (Picton). Lynne Clarke from Dunedin was also part of the band's southern contingent.

Pipers Doug McDonald, Lawrence McKerchar and Merv Gunn await the start of their performance at Edinburgh Castle. Photo: Supplied

Gunn, a former pipe major of Waimatuku Southern Scenic Pipe Band, said he had to unexpectantly lead the Christchurch band for the first 5 shows after their pipe major and drum sergeant both came down with COVID.

He said there was however a real good comaraderie between the 10 pipe bands and each freely shared members with other bands as needed during the tattoo's 26 shows.

Gunn said this year's tattoo was a lot different and perhaps more creative than other ones, with no announcer, less military things and a shorter finale, which meant acts just flowed from one to another.

Other southern kiwis involved this year's tattoo included newly appointed creative director, Michael Braithwaite and diva Matla (both from Dunedin).

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