THE Castle Esplanade has finally been cleared of the stands used for the summer's Edinburgh Military Tattoo - more than 15 weeks after performances ended.

The stands have caused a major headache for the Tattoo's organisers since the end of the showcase event. The original hold-up was caused by the company which was hired to take down the stands, Madden, going out of business.

There was then a further delay when safety regulations governing working at heights meant machinery needed to be used to take down the stands, rather than manpower, as had previously been the case.

Brigadier Mel Jameson, producer of the Tattoo, said: "We felt for our neighbours and the people at the Castle. Visitors want to see the beautiful normal frontage of the Castle and their view was obstructed by the stands.

"Nothing will affect the progress of the Tattoo and we'll make sure that new rules are obeyed to the letter."