A £150,000 visitor attraction, tracing the history of Edinburgh’s Military Tattoo, has opened in the shadow of Edinburgh castle.

Situated within a 150-year-old Victorian reservoir at the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, Spirit of the Tattoo is free to enter and traces more than 50 years of history. It is intended to be factual, enlightening, moving and engaging while creating an enduring impact.

Designed and conceived by Edinburgh agency, Contagious, the attraction comprises an interactive exhibition, movie theatre, gift shop and rooftop café/restaurant.

Contagious’ design director, Vaughn Yates, said: ‘It is impossible to try and recreate the spectacle and atmosphere of the Tattoo within a visitor centre. Our approach therefore focused on creating a home for the Tattoo where visitors will be able to discover the characters, the behind-the-scenes preparation, the history and the global influence which makes the Edinburgh Tattoo a success year after year.”

Generous support for the project has been received from the Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothians scheme while the head of south east Edinburgh’s tourism scheme called the attraction “a welcome and innovative development”.

Spirit of the Tattoo chief executive and producer, Brigadier Melville Jameson, said: “Many visitors to Edinburgh may never have the opportunity to see the Tattoo in August, so this year-round attraction, which presents the Tattoo’s colourful story, will provide visitors with the essential essence of the event.” Details: www.edintattoo.co.uk