A hospice charity has received a one-off donation of £162,000 from the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo as it becomes the first non-military and veteran good cause to be supported by the event.

The donation has been handed to Edinburgh based St Columba Hospice Care to mark the event’s 75th anniversary this year and sees the charity receive the equivalent of 75p from the sale of each ticket for the 2025 show.

The charity beat four other charities to receive the award, following a public vote involving 50,000 people.

The British Heart Foundation, Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, Parkinson's UK and youth homeless charity Rock Trust were also in the running.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have been chosen to receive this special 75th Anniversary donation from The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo,” said St Columba Hospice Care chief executive Jackie Stone.

“This incredible support comes at a critical time for hospice care, as we continue to navigate significant funding pressures, with rising costs and growing demand for our services.

“It’s a wonderful start to the new year, and we’re so grateful to everyone who voted and to the Tattoo for their generosity. This donation will make a real difference in helping us provide vital care and support to patients and families across Edinburgh and the Lothians.”



The event’s chief executive Jason Barrett added: “Our 75th Anniversary is a momentous occasion, and we are delighted to celebrate it by supporting local Edinburgh charity, St Columba’s Hospice Care and their team of loyal volunteers, dedicated staff and patients.

“Their dedication to providing comfort, dignity and peace to patients at end of life as well as support for their loved ones is truly inspiring.

“This donation is a testament to our ongoing commitment to giving back to our communities and we are honoured to contribute to the heroic efforts of St Columba’s Hospice Care.”

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