Edinburgh Castle is not specifically designated by UNESCO. It is part of a wider world heritage site titled “The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh”. This is relevant because there has been plenty of development throughout these areas without the status being revoked. We can work with UNESCO to ensure this project respects the site heritage far better than the months of industrial scaffolding.

Yes, but Scheduled Monument Consent Policy 3 (SMCP3) states that extensive intervention will be allowed where “public benefits of national importance” can be demonstrated. We would work with Historic Environment Scotland to ensure that a stone amphitheatre is designed appropriately.

With the lengths the organisers have gone to since the 50s to host the event where it is, giving up the site seems incredibly unlikely. Let’s embrace this reality with a permanent structure that has benefits beyond the Tattoo.

A publicly reported contract for 2018-2022 was £10 million, so £2m/year, to assemble and dismantle the temporary structure. It likely costs more today. £2m/year is only cheaper in a short-sighted sense. After 50 years, that would be over £100m spent, with nothing to show for it. A permanent amphitheatre would have a larger upfront cost, but we’d have a public asset that eventually pays for itself and could last centuries.

The potential capacity of a stone amphitheatre needs to be modelled. If a reduced capacity is required (relative to the capacity of the temporary grandstand), the Tattoo’s finances may be rebalanced through the reduced cost of venue hire and extended events throughout the year.

Walkways should be included at the top of the steps to allow year-round access to views of the city. Currently, the temporary grandstand and its construction blocks these views between May and October.

The spaces below the steps can be used for multi-purpose facilities. The external structure can be designed with rigging in mind for lighting, sound, etc. Padded seating for the stone steps can be added and removed. The walkways can be used for temporary add-ons like VIP boxes if necessary.

They would actually be honoured better. The memorials could be integrated on the walkways or within the space below the steps. They are currently inaccessible between May and October due to the temporary grandstand. A stone amphitheatre would make them accessible year-round.

As the Esplanade is a public asset of historic significance, any structure built upon it should also be publicly owned. How this is made possible is to be established and will be a decision for elected representatives. However, because the venue would generate annual revenue through the Tattoo's rent and other year-round events, it is a financially viable public asset that would eventually pay for itself.

Scots and tourists alike have proven their willingness to be outside for Christmas and Hogmanay events in Edinburgh. The amphitheatre has huge potential for the festive season. Rain is possible any time of year. Ponchos at the ready!