GALASHIELS piper Ross McFarlane is enjoying a starring role in this year's Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

The 24-year-old, who is part of the The Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland band, has been playing on the Castle Esplanade since the start of the month.

Ross, who has already played at the Australia and New Zealand tattoos this year, will leave for a tour of duty in Kenya in the autumn.

Also playing in the 100-minute programme are The Band of The Household Cavalry, The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and The Royal Irish Regiment.

Show-stopping turns have also been performed by the King’s Guard of Norway, while the Imps from London’s Docklands have provided a thrilling motorcycle display performed at breath-taking speed.

Tattoo Chief Executive and Producer, Brigadier David Allfrey, said: “There is a strong heritage texture to the show, not just celebrating our nation’s Armed Forces and their musical pedigree but also celebrating Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th year - a brilliant combination which provides us with a perfect excuse to bring together the best of our military musicians and those of some longstanding friends and allies.

"The Tattoo always delivers huge colour and pace but I sense this year have hit a new height.”

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo concludes on Saturday evening.