A Bermuda Gombey has been chosen as the launch face of the world's biggest military tattoo, The Royal Gazette can reveal.

The unique Gombeys have already proved a hit at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, with Gombeys being used on advance promotional material.

Now a Gombey will be flown in for the official launch of the tattoo programme in Edinburgh on July 23.

The band of the Bermuda Regiment and the Gombeys will join a total of more than 1,000 performers at the 25-performance military extravaganza, which runs from August 1 to 23.

Tattoo spokesman Allan Smith said: "We want to be able to show people a taste of what's coming and the Gombeys are sure to attract the media.

"We get a lot of media because we always show off what we would probably call the exotic participants in the show.

"The Gombeys have never set foot on these shores and from a media point of view, that's very exciting.

that's very exciting.

"And I'm sure our audiences will be thrilled - they won't have seen anything like this. Bermuda's contribution will generate a lot of coverage for us and for the Island."

And Mr. Smith revealed that the Regiment and the Gombeys might also be in line for further travel.

He said Tattoo organisers were looking at taking the Tattoo overseas - which has only happened once before in the event's 54-year history.

Mr. Smith added that an overseas event would provide even more opportunity to showcase the contributions from the nations involved.

He said: "If the Tattoo were to go overseas - which has happened once and may happen again - the tourism authorities in this country would certainly make the most of it. We would hope all the other participants would do the same."

But the Edinburgh performances on their own are also set to provide a shot in the arm for the Island's ailing tourism industry.

The show is watched live by around 217,000 people from all over the world during its run - with an estimated global TV audience of 100 million tuning in too.

Mr. Smith said: "The Festival is a great showcase - and we know that countries involved often experience extra interest in the tourism market afterwards.

"One hundred million people is an enormous viewing audience and I'm sure that will have an effect in raising the profile of the countries involved."

The Tattoo was set up as the British Army in Scotland's contribution to the new Edinburgh Festival - now the most prestigious and biggest arts festival in the world.

Since 1950, the Tattoo's home has been the magnificent setting of the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle - which has dominated the city skyline from its massive rock for 1,000 years.

A huge building operation turns the esplanade of the castle into the biggest auditorium at the Festival - and creates a magnificent backdrop for performers, from Scotland, the rest of the UK and across the world.

Mr. Smith said the multi-million pound Scottish tourism industry had suffered in recent times, partly due to concerns over international terrorism post 9/11.

He said: "The Bermuda Regiment and the Gombeys were invited because of their talents and skills and they have clearly made a great effort to be here with us.

"They will be raising the profile of Scottish tourism, the Tattoo and enhancing tourism in Bermuda as well. It's good for all of us."