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Tattoo `puts Bermuda on the map'

Premier Alex Scott last night staked his claim to the title "Gombey Premier" as he joined Bermuda's finest at a gala reception in Edinburgh.

Mr. Scott performed with the Gombeys in the square outside the City of Edinburgh Council Chambers in the heart of the famous Royal Mile in his first overseas visit as Premier.

And a massive crowd - which included Bermudian guests and people drawn in from the historic Royal Mile by the sights and sounds of the Bermuda Regiment band and Gombeys - clapped along as Mr. Scott was pulled out by the Gombeys to dance.

Mr. Scott - who took pride of place and the salute in the Royal Box at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo on Saturday - laughed afterwards: "My physical health is clearly not a problem - I was enticed out there and I really enjoyed it.

"These drums can entrance you into things you would never normally consider.

"It was fun and tonight summed up the whole spirit of our visit to Edinburgh - it was a way of bringing a little bit of Bermuda to Edinburgh. We have made some lasting relationships and friendships and we've made a lasting bond with the city of Edinburgh."

Earlier, he told guests at the reception: "Despite being the smallest country represented, our contingent has been described as being big on talent and I'm proud of their triumphant debut in Edinburgh."

Mr. Scott was speaking after a superb Saturday night performance by the Bermuda Regiment and Gombeys - which saw, for the first time, a large Bermuda contingent in the stands to watch the show.

The south stand of the Castle erupted in a sea of Bermuda flags - supplied by Pamela Ferreira, owner of Edinburgh trip sponsors Marketplace, and daughter Kristen - as the Bermuda Regiment, backed by the Gombeys entered the famous Edinburgh Castle esplanade.

Mr. Scott said that senior figures from the US, Australia and other nations were represented at the Tattoo performance - but that Bermuda's representatives were asked to take pride of place.

He said: "It was a great honour for me to be asked to take the salute. It was an extraordinary honour and we will not soon forget it."

But a modest Mr. Scott insisted: "It wasn't Alex Scott they were honouring, it was Bermuda and I hope we can find some way of reciprocating."

Mr. Scott, Home Affairs Minister Randy Horton, Tourism Minister Renee Webb, Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly Walter Lister and Regiment second-in-command Maj. Larry Mussenden all attended the Tattoo and the Sunday reception.

Mr. Horton - whose responsibilities include the Regiment - said the Bermuda performance on Saturday was "outstanding."

Ms Webb - who broke a private holiday visit to France to attend the Tattoo and reception - sported a gold Gombey dancer necklace.

"The Tattoo was great, really impressive - it was a testament to Scotland that it can host such an event."

She added: "I was very proud of the Bermuda contingent - it's definitely put Bermuda on the map."