Star of Edinburgh’s Royal Military Tattoo makes it to Britain’s Got Talent semi-final

A talented musician who wowed crowds at last year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has become the only Scot to make it through to the Britain’s Got Talent live semi-finals.

Dad-of-one Cammy Barnes, 32, won over the BGT judges with a passionate performance of Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Drivers Licence’ and will now vie for a place in Saturday’s live final.

A barber by trade and gifted bagpiper, Cammy was part of the Electro Pipes performers at last year’s Tattoo, who provided a fresh addition to the Show on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, mixing the traditional bagpipes with modern, electronic music, combined with state-of-the-art projection and lighting.

To celebrate his success on the show, the Tattoo welcomed Cammy back to Edinburgh Castle to record a special video performance of Wild Mountain Thyme. 

Cammy, from Fife, was joined by Stevie Small, production manager at the Tattoo, who played the pipes, set against the stunning Edinburgh skyline.

He also played a starring role in the Show’s finale last year, singing Walking on the Waves in an emotional and powerful performance alongside Tattoo acts from around the world.

‘It was always my dream to play at Edinburgh Castle so I’m forever indebted to the Tattoo and the whole team there for giving me the opportunity to play in such an iconic Show alongside so many talented people from around the world,’ Cammy said.

‘My Dad was actually a lone piper at the Tattoo back in the day, so for it to come full circle, with me performing on the same Castle Esplanade was something really special.

‘The team at the Tattoo are so good about giving fresh talent like me a chance to showcase their skills.

‘Little did I know just a year on I’d be auditioning in front of Simon Cowell and the other judges and there’s no doubt that my time performing last year in the Tattoo really helped build my confidence to just go for it.

‘I’d really urge people to snap up tickets for this year’s Show as the whole experience of the Tattoo, whether performing or watching, is a spectacle to behold.

‘I can’t thank everyone at the Tattoo enough for their support so far and for giving me the opportunity to come back to perform at Edinburgh Castle alongside Stevie.

‘I really hope I can do them and the whole of the country proud at the semi-finals. I’ll definitely be giving it my all for Scotland.’

Cammy recently became a father to his young daughter Bonnie and aims to make her proud throughout his BGT experience.

Buster Howes, chief executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: ‘Cammy’s one of those personalities you instantly warm to and we couldn’t be prouder of him and his efforts on Britain’s Got Talent.

‘We’re an organisation that places an emphasis on emerging talent so to see Cammy’s talent continue to flourish is fantastic.

‘We were only too happy to help facilitate his special performance of Wild Mountain Thyme at the iconic Edinburgh Castle.

‘His energy during both the Electro Pipes and his singing in the finale really captured the imagination at our Show last year and you could feel the buzz he brought to the Esplanade when he and his fellow performers showcased their talents.

‘On behalf of everyone at the Tattoo, I wish Cammy all the best in the semi-finals and would urge everyone to get behind him and give him their vote.’

To watch Cammy’s special Edinburgh Castle performance, please visit edintattoo.co.uk or the Tattoo’s social channels.

Read more news and reviews on Scottish Field’s culture pages.

Plus, don’t miss the June issue of Scottish Field magazine.