For Captain Martin McPhie and his son, Signaller Ellis McPhie, family truly is everything, especially when it comes to their shared passion within The Royal Corps of Signals.
Pipers, drummers and musicians took the to the world-famous Edinburgh Castle Esplanade for the Edinburgh Tattoo 2025.
Massed Pipes and Drums makes their entrance to the 2025 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Captain Martin McPhie and his son, Signaller Ellis McPhie performed in the Corps' Pipes and Drums during the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2025
Both Martin and Ellis are accomplished Drummers and performed in the Corps' Pipes and Drums during the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo which ended on Saturday (23 August).
Martin, born and raised in Corby, Northamptonshire, brings over 24 years of Army experience to the table. His son, Ellis, born in Osnabruck, Germany, is just beginning his journey.
Martin's career with the Royal Signals began in 1998, culminating in his role as the Corps' Yeoman before leaving regular service in 2022. Now, he serves as a Squadron second-in-command (2IC) with 32 Signal Regiment, based in Glasgow.
Beyond his primary duties, Martin's heart lies with the Corps' Pipes and Drums, where he plays the snare drum - a passion ignited in his childhood with the Army Cadet Force Corps of Drums.
His musical journey has taken him to incredible venues, including the Basel International Tattoo in Switzerland, Ibrox Stadium for Armed Forces Day, His Majesty The King's Coronation Parade, and even a performance for His Majesty The King at Balmoral.
Martin said: “Ellis has played a snare drum from a very young age. My drumsticks were always lying around the house, and he would pick them up. I would then teach him the basics. He also joined a marching band in Poole when we were posted to Blandford (Meridian Corps of Drums) where he performed in carnivals all around the local area of Poole, Bournemouth and Weymouth which he loved.”
Ellis joined the Army in 2024, attending the Army Foundation College Harrogate. Inspired by his father's fulfilling career and his own positive experiences with the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) in Corby, he chose to follow in Martin's footsteps.
Ellis selected the Royal Signals as a Power Engineer, drawn to the valuable skills and qualifications the role offers. He also plans to continue drumming with the Corps' Pipes and Drums. Ellis says the qualifications he could gain as a Power Engineer, and the fact that he could continue his drumming in the Corps' Pipes and Drums, was the tipping point for his decision to join the Corps.
Ellis said: “I am excited about performing in the Corps' Pipes and Drums as a drummer with my dad. I am also looking forward to performing at high profile engagements in the future and paving my own way to success both in trade and with the Corps' Pipes and Drums.”
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