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Edinburgh Today Edinburgh Castle |
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October 2005 |
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New Seating on the Esplanade Each year, about three months are spent erecting and dismantling the seating on Edinburgh Castle Esplanade for the 8,500 spectators at Edinburgh Military Tattoo, held for three weeks in August. It was reported in October 2005 that Historic Scotland is expected to commission a feasibility study into creating new grandstands on the esplanade that could also be used at Hogmanay, Easter and other times of year. These events could include an 'Easter Tattoo', sporting events, historical re-enactments, rock, pop and classical concerts. The cost of grandstands might be £20m. The Edinburgh Evening News and others have expressed concern over any permanent grandstand that might disfigure the Edinburgh skyline Edinburgh Evening News, 28 October 2005, pp1,7. |
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January 2010 |
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Earl Haig Statue The 10.5 tonne bronze statue to Field Marshal Haig, on horseback, has stood on Edinburgh Castle esplanade for 86 years, but is now due to be moved to Hospital Square in the castle grounds later in 2010. The move is taking place because the statue is now considered to be a safety hazard for disabled visitors leaving the Edinburgh Tattoo. A representative of Edinburgh Castle explained that the move will bring the statue closer to the National War Museum, and that this rightly reflects the role and status of this monument. However a spokesman for the Royal British Legion expressed concern over the fact that once the statue is inside the castle grounds, people will have to pay to see it. |
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Earl Haig Sir Douglas Haig, later to become Lord Haig, was bourn in Edinburgh in 1861. After the World War I, he dedicated himself to helping ex-servicemen. He co-founded the Royal British Legion in 1921. He was given a state funeral in 1928, but has been criticised by historians for his handling of military operations in the Somme. |
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Edinburgh Evening News, January 14, 2010: p.13 |