When we talk about “military,” what exactly are we thinking? Or rather, what do we imagine for this word? From my perspective as a visitor who grew up in an authoritarian country, before I travelled to Edinburgh, I thought the “military tattoo” was just a synonym for “military parade.” The latter often uses strict formations, precise marching, and almost mechanical uniformity to demonstrate collective power. However, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (hereafter referred to as REMT) showed me how they are totally different in an incredible way. 

Edinburgh in the Shadows: stories the travel brochures will never reveal. A spoken word journey of death, drugs, and disaster exploring Edinburgh's lesser-known miscreants, unfortunates, and flawed geniuses.