As an Alumnus of the Scots School Albury, Dylan will join the school's contingent for their invitational performance at this prestigious event.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a world-renowned spectacle that showcases the talent and precision of military bands, dancers, and performers from around the globe.
Held annually at the iconic Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, the event attracts tens of thousands of spectators as well as a further 100-300 million television viewers around the world and has become a symbol of Scottish culture and heritage.
For Dylan, the opportunity to participate in such a global event is a dream come true.
“I’m quite excited,” he told the Free Press.
“I expect there will be some nerves on the first day or two or if it rains. Rain or not, the show will go on though.”
While the main group rehearses in Albury, Dylan and his Melbourne-based bandmates have been training separately, ensuring that they are well-prepared for the upcoming performance.
“The rehearsals in Scotland are where all the hard work and preparation come together. It’s quite gruelling,” he said.
“It’s a massive few weeks over there. You’re pretty much running on adrenaline.”
The 20-year-old bagpiper discovered his passion for the instrument in 2017 and has since dedicated himself to mastering the art.
Over the years, Dylan has participated in various events, including the South East Asian Pipe Band Championships in Singapore with the Scots School in 2018 and the Belfast Tattoo in Ireland with the National Youth Pipe Band of Australia in 2019.
Dylan had the privilege of attending the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Sydney as a Pipe Major with the NSW Police Pipe Band in 2019.
Now, he is thrilled to travel to Scotland, the birthplace of the bagpipes, and showcase his skills on an international stage.
The Scots School Albury’s participation in The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will see the band perform a show every night from Monday to Thursday, two shows on Friday and Saturday, and participate in a competition on Sunday.
This rigorous schedule reflects the high level of talent and dedication required for such an event.
Dylan, currently studying Law in Melbourne, has also showcased his singing talents in a few shows in the region this year. Additionally, he returned to his hometown in January featuring with the bagpipes during this year's Corowa Rotary Federation Festival.
“I’m really enjoying my studies and living in Melbourne,” he said.
“It’s been a privilege doing a few shows in the local region too. I’d like to do a show in Corowa too.”
Before their departure, the Scots School Pipe Band will hold a special fundraising concert called “Sounds of Scotland.”
This concert aims to transport the audience to the picturesque Scottish Highlands, immersing them in the power and majesty of the pipes and drums.
The event will take place over two nights, on Friday, July 14, and Saturday, July 15, in Albury. Tickets are available from the Albury Entertainment Centre website.
