Government House Queensland
During a week in February, Queenslanders embraced the colour, pageantry and enduring spirit of Scotland, as Brisbane played host to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo for the very first time. Government House joined in this spirit of friendship and shared heritage, with Her Excellency proudly supporting a series of events to strengthen international relationships and showcase Queensland on a global stage.
The centrepiece of the week was The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s breathtaking 75th anniversary spectacular, staged across multiple nights at Suncorp Stadium. More than 1,000 performers moved with military precision across a stadium transformed into a Scottish castle, as the stirring sound of massed pipes and drums rose into the Brisbane night. Highland dancers, precision drill teams and powerful visual projections combined in a moving tribute to heritage and honour, bringing vividly to life this year’s theme, The Heroes Who Made Us.
Her Excellency attended the Tattoo in support of the magnificent opportunity it represented for Queensland — a world-renowned production choosing Brisbane as its Australian host for the first time. The performances celebrated not only Scottish tradition, but also Queensland’s place in the world, including a distinctly local moment when the combined bands of the Australian Defence Force delighted audiences with a joyful rendition of the Bluey theme song, warmly embraced by the crowd.
Earlier in the week, Her Excellency reflected on Queensland’s deep Scottish roots while attending an event hosted by the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ), of which she is Patron. She spoke of the State’s original name, Edinglassie — a blending of Edinburgh and Glasgow — and of suburbs such as Kenmore, Auchenflower and Kelvin Grove, enduring reminders of the Scottish settlers who helped shape Queensland’s exploration, industry and civic life. The Governor noted that this legacy lived on not only in place names, but in shared values of equal opportunity, personal and social responsibility, and in Queenslanders’ affection for bagpipes, the Highland fling, the Queensland tartan and, of course, the Tattoo itself.
These connections were further celebrated at Government House, where Her Excellency and Professor Nimmo hosted a formal Friends of Scotland Dinner in support of the Tattoo. The Dinner brought together distinguished guests from Australia and the United Kingdom, including the Secretary of State for Scotland, the Right Honourable Douglas Alexander MP, senior government representatives, diplomatic leaders and members of the business and trade community.
In formal Remarks, Her Excellency highlighted the long and fascinating Scottish connections to Government House itself — from early owners and Governors of Scottish heritage, to architectural details and restoration work influenced by Scottish craftsmanship. The evening was a fitting expression of friendship, shared history and cultural respect, complemented by a Scots-inspired menu prepared by the Government House chefs and a performance on the bagpipes by Acting Pipe Major Lance Corporal Alex Smith from the 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment.
In addition to hosting the Dinner, Government House accommodated the Secretary of State for Scotland and his travelling party during their stay in Brisbane. This hospitality reflected the importance of the visit, supported Her Excellency’s patronages, and underscored Queensland’s commitment to fostering strong international relationships.
Across the week, Her Excellency’s attendance at the Tattoo, her hosting of a formal dinner at Government House, and the accommodation of senior Scottish visitors demonstrated Queensland’s pride in its enduring ties to Scotland — ties that run deep, remain strong, and continue to shape the State’s cultural and civic life.
Many Queenslanders of Scottish heritage took the opportunity to celebrate their roots by attending the Tattoo. Among them was Brisbane born and bred musician Adam Regnart, who although attending as a spectator regularly performs with the pipes and drums of the National Servicemen’s Memorial Band. Proudly Scottish on both sides of his family, Adam wore his great‑grandfather’s cairngorm brooch — a treasured family heirloom brought to Queensland by his great‑grandfather in the early 1900s — a quiet but powerful reminder of the personal stories that underpin our shared history.
Together, these events formed a stirring celebration of shared heritage, friendship and opportunity, leaving a lasting impression on all who took part and marking a memorable chapter in Queensland’s story.
