Survey work for new Tattoo grandstand past first stage

THE first stage of work to discover if the rock below Edinburgh Castle can support a new Tattoo grandstand has been completed.

Experts had been drilling holes in the Esplanade to examine the geology beneath the structure.

A Historic Scotland spokesman said: "The site investigations to examine the weight-bearing capacity of the Esplanade were completed last week, which was well ahead of schedule, and reinstatement work is about to be carried out.

"The test results will now be assessed by specialists before being reported to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo Company."

Tattoo bosses hope to secure funding for new grandstands, which can be put up and dismantled more quickly than at present.