A WEST LINTON production company is hoping to sell-out the Edinburgh Military Tattoo this year - with a little help from Local Hero.

Electric Picture Machine Productions have produced a 30-second commercial to promote this year’s spectacle.

The fast-moving clips of action from the Castle Esplanade is accompanied from Mark Knopfler’s instantly recognisable strains of Going Home, the theme tune from the 1983 film Local Hero, played by The Pipes and Drums of The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.

EPM Production’s Managing Director Kenneth Andrew said: “The creative focus has been considerably enhanced by the mood and message of Mark’s Going Home featuring the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. A fitting endorsement of the main theme for this year’s show.” EPM Productions were founded more than 30 years ago and have continued television commercials, educational videos and musical recordings ever since.

Local Hero remains a cult movie classic. And its theme tune is just as popular - and still used to welcome the players onto the pitch at Newcastle United. But the message behind Going Home is just as important as the tune in this year of Homecoming.

Royal Edinburgh Tattoo Chief Executive , Brigadier David Allfrey MBE, said: “We are thrilled that Mark has generously agreed to support our Year of Homecoming activities which we hope will in turn also help further strengthen our links with Scotland as a destination and our charitable endeavours. There is no better sound than Mark Knopfler’s for that far-reaching and authentic impact.” The television campaign will run throughout Scotland and the north of England.

It will launch onto our screens this Monday and run until the end of the month.

Knopfler was born in Glasgow but grew up in Newcastle.

The former Dire Straits guitarist said: “My link with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards goes back many years and I’m delighted that ‘Going Home’ is to be associated with the 2014 Edinburgh Tattoo.” The 65th Edinburgh Military Tattoo runs from August 1 to 23.

Over 1,000 performers from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada and the United Kingdom are set to combine with highly sophisticated 21st century production technology for the spectacular Our Home Friends and Family theme.

Tickets are now on sale at www.edintattoo.co.uk or 0131 225 1188.