The Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise have provided £3 million support for the Edinburgh Tattoo's £16 million castle esplanade grandstand project.

Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop said: "Edinburgh's spectacular and world-renowned Military Tattoo, set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, raises the international profile of Scotland, showcasing our creative talent and bringing significant economic benefits to the Capital and Scotland as a whole.

"This funding - from the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise - will reinvigorate the Tattoo, providing a new and improved arena for spectators and performers alike which will further enhance our reputation, maintaining Edinburgh's position as the world's pre-eminent festival city."

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Tattoo Chief Executive and Producer, Major General Euan Loudon, commented:"We are delighted that the Scottish Government has now confirmed its financial commitment to the new stands project, which I'm happy to report is proceeding apace.

"We would also like to acknowledge the support received from The City of Edinburgh Council with this imaginative new development, which we aim to deliver for our August 2011 Tattoo production."

The Scottish Government has agreed to provide £1.5m capital grant (on top of £1.5m grant from Scottish Enterprise) towards the cost of new removable stands for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade.

Edinburgh's Lord Provost and Chair of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, George Grubb, added: "The Edinburgh Military Tattoo is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, delighting thousands of local and international spectators every summer. The Council was pleased to be able to contribute towards the new arena and it is very exciting to see work now getting underway."

(GK/BMcc)