From his home in Blairgowrie, an esteemed military leader and dedicated figure in Perth and Kinross has shared his insights on crucial defence matters while reflecting on a distinguished career that saw him both on the frontlines of the Cold War and at the helm of Scotland’s most iconic cultural spectacle. Brigadier Sir Melville Jameson, 81, a former commanding officer and colonel of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards (SCOTS DG), has expressed profound apprehension regarding the current state of the UK’s defence budget, advocating strongly for increased investment.
Brigadier Sir Melville, whose storied military background includes commanding the Perth-based 51 (Highland) Brigade, articulated his conviction that recent reductions in defence spending have been overly aggressive. He lamented the drastic scaling back of forces, citing a significant decrease in armoured regiments. “During my command of SCOTS DG in the late 1980s, we had approximately ten regiments, each equipped with 57 tanks,” he recalled. “Today, the focus has shifted from heavy armour to lighter reconnaissance units. While our Army undeniably performs commendably, the Ministry of Defence urgently needs to reconstitute a more robust force capable of deploying ground troops supported by armour when necessary – a necessity that, by all indications, will arise.”
He further cautioned against over-reliance on modern technologies such as drones, emphasizing that they alone cannot secure victory in conflict. “Drones might represent the cutting edge of modern warfare,” he stated, “but a war cannot be won with drones exclusively. All three branches of the armed services have endured significant downsizing since the end of the Cold War, and they must be significantly strengthened to confront future challenges effectively.” These remarks come as the UK government has announced intentions to elevate defence spending from 2.3% to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with long-term aspirations of reaching 3% and aligning with NATO’s target of 5% by 2035. Leuchars Garrison: A Growing Strategic Hub and Community Connection
The Brigadier’s comments gain particular resonance in Perthshire and Fife given the substantial investment and expansion planned for Leuchars Station. This historic site, which transitioned from an RAF base to an Army garrison on March 31, 2015, is on track to become Scotland’s largest military installation. Already serving as home to the SCOTS DG, it is set to welcome the 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 SCOTS), widely recognised as The Black Watch, by 2032, with new accommodation facilities currently in development.
Brigadier Sir Melville noted that the SCOTS DG personnel have embraced their Scottish base, appreciating the opportunity to lead more settled lives with their families embedded within supportive local communities – a vital connection that can be lost through frequent relocations. He warmly endorsed the prospective relocation of 3 SCOTS from Fort George to Leuchars, highlighting the deep bonds of comradeship forged over many years of shared operations worldwide. This sentiment is particularly personal for him, as his own father served with the Black Watch during the First World War, enduring time as a prisoner of war. Transforming the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo into a Global Phenomenon
Beyond his military service, Brigadier Sir Melville is celebrated for his pivotal role in reimagining the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. His new book, “The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo: The Show Must Go On,” offers an intimate chronicle of his 12-year tenure as the Tattoo’s producer and chief executive from 1995 to 2007. This period marked a significant evolution for the event, as he navigated the constraints of dwindling UK military bands by seeking out diverse performers from across the globe, including Fiji, Tonga, South Africa, and Pakistan. “My aim was to preserve the military essence of the Tattoo while embracing the rich cultural tapestry of the Commonwealth,” he explained, emphasizing these international journeys and the remarkable talent they brought to Edinburgh Castle’s Esplanade.
Under his leadership, the Tattoo was modernised with significant innovations, such as the introduction of stunning castle projections in 2004, which have since become a signature feature. He successfully maintained the event’s cherished identity while infusing it with renewed vibrancy and global appeal. Returning as guest of honour in 2025, Brigadier Sir Melville praised the latest production, particularly its innovative use of drones, which he described as “remarkable,” though he maintains that “nothing compares to the massed pipes and drums coming through the drawbridge.”
His book, largely penned during the Covid-19 lockdown with assistance from Dr. Paul Philippou, a historian at the University of Dundee, is based on decades of personal travel diaries. He candidly revealed these diaries were initially maintained to demonstrate his productive efforts to the board. Brigadier Sir Melville views the Tattoo as a potent instrument of “soft power,” recalling a time in the early 2000s when Moscow hosted a Kremlin Tattoo, with him as co-producer, fostering cultural ties with Russia. This initiative, however, tragically ceased following Russia’s invasion of Georgia, illustrating the fragility of such diplomatic efforts. A Legacy of Civic Pride in Perth and Kinross
Following his departure from the Tattoo in 2007, Brigadier Sir Melville continued his public service as Lord-Lieutenant of Perth and Kinross until 2020. During this period, he played a crucial role in securing city status for Perth during the Queen’s Jubilee year – an achievement he regards as his most significant local contribution. He recalled with pride the Queen’s personal visit to present the status, a moment he describes as “unforgettable.”
Brigadier Sir Melville remains a fervent advocate for Perth, championing its untapped potential. He characterizes the city as “central, beautiful, and unspoilt,” highlighting its unique charm compared to other Scottish urban centres. The recent return of the Stone of Destiny further bolsters Perth’s appeal, offering even more reasons to attract visitors and attention from around the world. Despite his active involvement in advising international military tattoos, such as the Basel Tattoo in Switzerland, and enjoying time with his two sons, five grandchildren, and daughters-in-law, Brigadier Sir Melville humorously expressed strong doubts about authoring another book, concluding with a chuckle.
Brigadier Sir Melville, whose storied military background includes commanding the Perth-based 51 (Highland) Brigade, articulated his conviction that recent reductions in defence spending have been overly aggressive. He lamented the drastic scaling back of forces, citing a significant decrease in armoured regiments. “During my command of SCOTS DG in the late 1980s, we had approximately ten regiments, each equipped with 57 tanks,” he recalled. “Today, the focus has shifted from heavy armour to lighter reconnaissance units. While our Army undeniably performs commendably, the Ministry of Defence urgently needs to reconstitute a more robust force capable of deploying ground troops supported by armour when necessary – a necessity that, by all indications, will arise.”
He further cautioned against over-reliance on modern technologies such as drones, emphasizing that they alone cannot secure victory in conflict. “Drones might represent the cutting edge of modern warfare,” he stated, “but a war cannot be won with drones exclusively. All three branches of the armed services have endured significant downsizing since the end of the Cold War, and they must be significantly strengthened to confront future challenges effectively.” These remarks come as the UK government has announced intentions to elevate defence spending from 2.3% to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with long-term aspirations of reaching 3% and aligning with NATO’s target of 5% by 2035. Leuchars Garrison: A Growing Strategic Hub and Community Connection
The Brigadier’s comments gain particular resonance in Perthshire and Fife given the substantial investment and expansion planned for Leuchars Station. This historic site, which transitioned from an RAF base to an Army garrison on March 31, 2015, is on track to become Scotland’s largest military installation. Already serving as home to the SCOTS DG, it is set to welcome the 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 SCOTS), widely recognised as The Black Watch, by 2032, with new accommodation facilities currently in development.
Brigadier Sir Melville noted that the SCOTS DG personnel have embraced their Scottish base, appreciating the opportunity to lead more settled lives with their families embedded within supportive local communities – a vital connection that can be lost through frequent relocations. He warmly endorsed the prospective relocation of 3 SCOTS from Fort George to Leuchars, highlighting the deep bonds of comradeship forged over many years of shared operations worldwide. This sentiment is particularly personal for him, as his own father served with the Black Watch during the First World War, enduring time as a prisoner of war. Transforming the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo into a Global Phenomenon
Beyond his military service, Brigadier Sir Melville is celebrated for his pivotal role in reimagining the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. His new book, “The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo: The Show Must Go On,” offers an intimate chronicle of his 12-year tenure as the Tattoo’s producer and chief executive from 1995 to 2007. This period marked a significant evolution for the event, as he navigated the constraints of dwindling UK military bands by seeking out diverse performers from across the globe, including Fiji, Tonga, South Africa, and Pakistan. “My aim was to preserve the military essence of the Tattoo while embracing the rich cultural tapestry of the Commonwealth,” he explained, emphasizing these international journeys and the remarkable talent they brought to Edinburgh Castle’s Esplanade.
Under his leadership, the Tattoo was modernised with significant innovations, such as the introduction of stunning castle projections in 2004, which have since become a signature feature. He successfully maintained the event’s cherished identity while infusing it with renewed vibrancy and global appeal. Returning as guest of honour in 2025, Brigadier Sir Melville praised the latest production, particularly its innovative use of drones, which he described as “remarkable,” though he maintains that “nothing compares to the massed pipes and drums coming through the drawbridge.”
His book, largely penned during the Covid-19 lockdown with assistance from Dr. Paul Philippou, a historian at the University of Dundee, is based on decades of personal travel diaries. He candidly revealed these diaries were initially maintained to demonstrate his productive efforts to the board. Brigadier Sir Melville views the Tattoo as a potent instrument of “soft power,” recalling a time in the early 2000s when Moscow hosted a Kremlin Tattoo, with him as co-producer, fostering cultural ties with Russia. This initiative, however, tragically ceased following Russia’s invasion of Georgia, illustrating the fragility of such diplomatic efforts. A Legacy of Civic Pride in Perth and Kinross
Following his departure from the Tattoo in 2007, Brigadier Sir Melville continued his public service as Lord-Lieutenant of Perth and Kinross until 2020. During this period, he played a crucial role in securing city status for Perth during the Queen’s Jubilee year – an achievement he regards as his most significant local contribution. He recalled with pride the Queen’s personal visit to present the status, a moment he describes as “unforgettable.”
Brigadier Sir Melville remains a fervent advocate for Perth, championing its untapped potential. He characterizes the city as “central, beautiful, and unspoilt,” highlighting its unique charm compared to other Scottish urban centres. The recent return of the Stone of Destiny further bolsters Perth’s appeal, offering even more reasons to attract visitors and attention from around the world. Despite his active involvement in advising international military tattoos, such as the Basel Tattoo in Switzerland, and enjoying time with his two sons, five grandchildren, and daughters-in-law, Brigadier Sir Melville humorously expressed strong doubts about authoring another book, concluding with a chuckle.