Police Scotland Youth Volunteers recognised for their assistance at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Members of the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers have been recognised for their assistance at this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

The young people, aged between 13 and 18 years, volunteered at 19 of the 24 shows performed during August at Edinburgh Castle by providing wheelchair assistance to help audience members access the venue.

They were delighted to receive thanks, along with all the performers, from Major General Buster Howes, Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

PSYV Coordinator, Sergeant Aaron Chadha said: “The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a unique event which people from across the world come to the capital to enjoy. The Tattoo office provides accessibility advice and arrangements for audience members in advance of the shows, however first-time visitors to Edinburgh or the event may not always realise how strenuous the walk can be up to the castle until they arrive at the Royal Mile.

“For two hours prior to each show our volunteers transported audience members, who required additional assistance, up to the castle by wheelchair.

“Due to the incline and cobbles on the Royal Mile, it was a physically demanding task however our volunteers found it hugely rewarding to be able to provide this service and ensure audience members were able to get into the venue on time and enjoy the performance.

“Where space allowed, they were also delighted to be invited to watch the show after their duties were completed.

“We are already looking forward to working with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo organisers to plan how we can further assist with next year’s event.”

Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond, portfolio lead for police volunteers, assisted with the wheelchair service for the final show. She added: “The Police Scotland Youth Volunteer scheme was set up to help young people understand policing by supporting the police through volunteering, to promote good citizenship and inspire people to participate positively within their communities.

“We currently have over 740 young people and 285 adults involved in 43 Police Scotland Youth Volunteer groups across Scotland, who regularly volunteer at events within their local community. We are immensely proud of the work that they do.

“Those who helped at the Tattoo during August not only came locally from Edinburgh, Lothians, and Fife but also from Glasgow, Dumfries, Moray, and Inverness.

“It’s a great event to be part of and we were delighted to work in partnership with the Tattoo organisers to enhance their existing accessibility provisions, by delivering an on-demand service to those who required it.”

Jason Barrett, Chief Operating Officer at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo said: “We are hugely grateful to the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers and the work they do in supporting our event. This year’s volunteers were an invaluable asset to our Event team, and we look forward to working with the PSYV teams again next year.”