Bermudians should be proud to see their fellow countrymen perform on a world-wide stage, said the man in charge of putting together the annual Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Three weeks ago, Home Affairs Minister Terry Lister announced that the Bermuda Regiment Band and the gombeys had been invited to perform at the Scottish extravaganza next August. It was estimated that it will cost $350,000 to cover airfare, camp pay, uniforms and equipment.

Ground transportation, food and lodging will be paid for by the Edinburgh Military Tattoo Committee.

Although no one has voiced opposition to the press, it is understood that talk show callers had said the gombeys did not “fit” into such a prestigious event.

But Brigadier Melville Jamieson, who is responsible for organising next year's event, said international groups have been invited to perform since the tattoo's inception, with only five or six being invited each year.

“We usually look for acts which are unique to their country,” he said.

“The tattoo was formed in 1950 as part of Edinburgh International Festival.

“It was set up to display the Scottish military and Highland dancing,” he said.

Usually the acts are part of the Commonwealth, but performers from other countries have performed as well. In recent times groups from the Polynesian Islands, New Zealand and South Africa have attended the popular event.

Hence his choosing the gombeys to accompany the Regiment. The well-travelled military veteran said he had heard several positive comments about both groups from locals and visitors alike and decided to fly to Bermuda to see them perform first-hand.

Brigadier Jamieson said, to him, the two together seemed like the best way to reflect Bermuda's culture.

Although they will only be in the spotlight for a maximum of eight minutes per night for the three weeks they will perform in Edinburgh, many spectators will see the Bermudians perform.

A vast television audience, traditionally up to 100 million people, witness the event.

And Brigadier Jamieson urged Bermudians who plan to see the show live to purchase their tickets as early as possible.

“The show has been sold out every night for the past four years,” he said. “This year, the event was sold out a week before opening night.”

If his past successes are any indicators, tickets for 2003 are going to be in hot demand as well.

“It's got to be a good show next year, because we have to do better than this year. And this year was good,” he said.

Tickets for the 2003 Edinburg Military Tattoo go on sale in December. Information is available on the web at www.edintattoo.co.uk/.