Edinburgh Castle has always been evolving.
From St Margaret’s Chapel in the 1130s to the iconic Gatehouse in the 1880s.
Let’s continue the story by converting the Esplanade into a stone amphitheatre.
Preliminary drawing by Benjamin Tindall Architects, August 2026. See all drawings.
Since the 1950s, a temporary grandstand has been constructed for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Assembly begins in May, events are held in July and August, and dismantling ends in October.
For almost half the year, the entrance to Scotland’s most famous landmark is blighted by:
Unsightly metal scaffolding and plastic seats
Obstructed views of the city skyline
Disruptive construction noise
Restricted evening and early morning access to the Esplanade
Source: Wikimedia Commons
It doesn’t have to be this way.
A stone amphitheatre would respect the heritage of the site far better than the temporary grandstand.
Beyond aesthetics, there would be multiple benefits:
A public asset with year-round potential
Walkways with unobstructed views of the city
Multi-purpose facilities below the seats
An end to the yearly waste
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