EXPERTS have begun drilling holes in Edinburgh Castle to find out if the centuries-old rock below can support the weight of a new grandstand for the Tattoo.
Bosses of the showcase event hope to secure funding for new grandstands, which can be put up and dismantled more quickly than at present.
Yesterday, drilling began to examine the geology underlying the Castle and the weights it is able to withstand.
Chris Watkins, Historic Scotland's head of major projects, said: "We are pleased to be able to co-operate with the Tattoo on this piece of exploratory work.
"The investigation has been carefully designed to provide information that will be valuable for discussions about the stands.
"The work has also been planned to minimise disruption to visitors and will be complete by the start of the main season in mid-March."
Sixteen boreholes have been made in the Castle Esplanade to allow geologists to take samples of the rock. The project is being funded and undertaken by the Tattoo and will be overseen by professional archaeologists.
Tattoo chief executive and producer, Major General Euan Loudon, said: "We are grateful to Historic Scotland for their support in facilitating this six-week geological survey, which will help bring about the delivery of new spectator amenities for the Castle esplanade in 2010."
Last month, it emerged that Tattoo bosses are facing a race against time to find funding for the grandstands. The current ageing structures, which have been used for every Tattoo since 1975, take up to 12 weeks to install every summer.
To ensure the new facilities are in place for summer 2010, funding must be secured by this May.
On top of the council's possible contribution, Tattoo chiefs have pledged £5m of their own money and hope to attract private investment of up to £5m, with the Scottish Government supplying the remainder.
If the scheme gets the go-ahead, the modern seating will have around one-third more leg room, as well as better facilities for disabled people and VIP guests.
By taking just three to four weeks to install, the new 8600-seater grandstand would also free up the Castle Esplanade over the summer months, and create the opportunity to use the seating for other events all-year round.
Other geological surveys have been carried out in the past, which helped determine the nature and stability of the ground beneath the esplanade and surrounding areas and shaped the design of the current stand.
The new project plans were scrutinised by Historic Scotland inspectors before Scheduled Monument Consent was granted.
The Tattoo, which is now in its 58th year, generates around £31m annually for the Scottish economy.
The full article contains 454 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
