Inspirational Women

Celebrated on 8 March, International Women’s Day offers the world an opportunity to recognise women’s achievements and reflect on the strides made towards gender equality.  

In 2025, as we mark 75 years of our Show, we’re spotlighting The Heroes Who Made Us, celebrating not only our history, but the heroes behind our Show, and those around us that give back to their local communities.  

Today, for International Women’s Day, we want to introduce you to some of the inspirational women behind our event.  

Kate has been passionate about design from a young age and followed that dream. After earning a Masters Degree in Visual Communication at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London, she swiftly rose from a junior designer to a director role.  Over the years Kate has worked on some highly influential projects, including a music video for Elton John’s hit ‘Are You Ready for Love’, Elton’s Red Piano show in Las Vegas and the 2012 London Olympic Games. 

In 2016 Kate founded Kate Dawkins Studio, and her innovative work has garnered industry recognition. In 2018, she won her first BAFTA for her work on the live broadcast event ‘World War One Remembered: Passchendaele,’ followed by a second in 2019 for The Festival of Remembrance at the Albert Hall. 

We were thrilled when Kate and her team joined us for our 2022 Show 'Voices', and they’ve continued to impress audiences ever since. At The Tattoo, their projections are a vital part of the experience, enhancing the visual storytelling and crafting emotionally resonant moments. Their designs seamlessly frame performances, set the scene, and highlight the castle’s architecture, creating unforgettable experiences that complement our lighting and pyrotechnics. 

Kate’s advice for young designers looking to get into visual design: 
 “Be curious, ask questions; there are no stupid questions, we’ve all had to learn, and the industry is constantly evolving. Keep looking for ideas in the places you wouldn’t expect to find them, the answer are not always found in a google search. If you want to make a name for yourself, you need to stand out. Find your unique voice and let it shine through your work."

If you joined us in 2024, you may recognize Lynsey as one of our fearless flaming pipers. Having started the pipes at 10 years old, Lynsey has gone on to have an incredible piping career. Highlights include winning the Grade 1 World Championships with the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band in 2004 and 2006, becoming our Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Pipe Major in 2022 to lead our band across the iconic Edinburgh Castle Drawbridge, and performing at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the 2024 Mountbatten Festival of Music.  

With a Masters degree in French, German, and Spanish, Lynsey has a love of travelling and has accompanied the Tattoo overseas for performances in Australia, Germany, Norway, and the USA.  

When not piping, Lynsey has a successful career in Corporate Banking and still finds time to volunteer as band secretary and drone tuner for the 13-time world champion Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band.   

We asked Lynsey’s advice for young women looking to get into piping. She said:  

“Go for it! Pipes and drums are for everyone. The only pre-requisite is a willingness to learn. Playing the bagpipes has built my confidence, taken me around the world and introduced me to life-long friends. It has taught me important skills in communication, teamwork and leadership - all vital components in my day job, as well as my role as a Pipe Major.  

My top 5 pieces of advice to become a Pipe Major:  

1. Start learning. Take the opportunities that present themselves, whether that be your first lesson in school, a local community band or seeking out private tuition.  

2. Work hard. Like any specialist skill, mastering it requires patience, perseverance and practice.  

3. Strive for excellence - whether it is in competition, public performance or practising in the kitchen! Aim to be better every single day.  

4. Have fun. Life is short and all that practice and performance takes up a lot of time. Enjoy it.  

5. Give back - whether that's through leadership, teaching, support roles or simply being a trusted and reliable bandmate. Remember the opportunities you have enjoyed and the people who dedicated time to help you achieve your goals. Pay that back by supporting others to realise theirs - generosity is what has made and continues to make our pipe band community so successful.” 

Katie has been a part of the Tattoo team since 2004. Starting as Box Office Assistant she now heads up our Box Office, managing up to 22 members of staff during peak season to support our guests across the world.  

In her time with the Organisation, Katie has represented the Tattoo at Buckingham Palace to accept The Queen’s Award for Enterprise – International Trade in 2007, travelled with our event overseas to Australia and New Zealand and continued to win awards for excellent customer service.   

During her time as Box Office Manager, Katie has accepted a number of awards on behalf of the Tattoo team from one of our largest trade agents, CIE Tours International.  Most recently in 2024 the Tattoo achieved Best Special Event in Britain. With a passion for exemplary customer service, Katie constantly explores new ways to improve the service and experience for our guests.    

How does Katie ensure we provide the best customer service? We asked her advice: 

“Always remember to ensure to put yourself into others shoes whether other team members or customers.  You should always have the respect of your team and manage with dignity, empathy and care.  In the years I have been at the Tattoo I have never lost sight of the importance of customer service, something we have been very proud of at the Tattoo since I started and strive to ensure standards continue to be maintained throughout the Team I manage.” 

Cerys started life in the South of England, however, her Scottish Nana inspired her love of Highland Dance with tales of dancing as a child. So much so that when Cerys moved to Scotland at 6 years old, she jumped at the opportunity to learn.  

Having watched the Tattoo with her Nana for years, it was a shared dream that Cerys would one day perform in the Show, a dream that became a reality in 2019 when she stepped out on the Castle Esplanade as part of our Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Dancers. In addition to four  Tattoo Shows, Cerys has represented the Tattoo overseas in Norway, Australia, America, Germany and Switzerland.  

But Highland Dance is just one of Cerys’ passions, since graduating in 2022 with a BS(c) Hons in Animal and Conservation Biology, she has recently completed top modules and hopes to register as a Biomedical Scientist soon. Juggling an intense study schedule, with full-time work and dance preparations for our 2025 Show - how does she fit it all in?  

“It’s a lot of multi-tasking to fit it all in. I learn dance routines on my lunch break at work and things like that. But it’s so worth it to do everything I want to do.” 

Cerys advice for others looking to get into Highland Dance:

"Give it a try! The highland dancing community is full of incredible people, I have met so many amazing friends from all around the world. 

It's a great way to keep fit, make friends and travel the world. I am so grateful for highland dance and the opportunities it has given me- the highlight of course is performing in The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo!"