A SUPERMARKET worker is getting ready to ditch his uniform and take part in an international event attended by thousands of people.

Frazer Rankin works in Dunbar’s Asda store but will soon be picking up his snare drum and taking part in The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

The 23-year-old has performed at the event in the Capital for the last three years and will be returning to the castle esplanade for the annual celebration of music and entertainment as part of the Edinburgh International Festival.

Management at the store, off the town’s Spott Road, have supported the former Dunbar Grammar School pupil’s role with the Pipers’ Trail and have been flexible in arranging Frazer’s shifts around his performances throughout August.

The band are the first ever group of pipers with no military connections to play in the international event in its history.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo gets under way next Friday (August 4) and runs until August 26.

Frazer, who has worked at the store for five years, was getting ready for the first performance of 2017, having started playing the drums as a teenager.

The click and collect worker said: “I’ve been playing the snare drum for over seven years and when the opportunity arose to become part of the band, I couldn’t turn it down.

“All the managers and staff at the store are very supportive and proud of my achievements. There is no problem in changing my shifts to suit the performance times.

“I am delighted and honoured to be playing at the Tattoo for the fourth year running and couldn’t do it without the support of Asda.”

Stevie Small, Pipers’ Trail project officer, said: “We rely on employers being very flexible and allowing their employees to perform at the Military Tattoo. We are very fortunate to have someone with Frazer’s talent and experience within Pipers’ Trail, which in itself is specifically designed to offer individuals, just like Frazer, to be involved in a world-class show watched by millions across the globe.”

Richard Barr, general store manager, wished his colleague the best of luck.

He said: “His dedication to both the store and the Tattoo is terrific and we’re very happy to support him. Everyone in the store is proud of Frazer for his achievements and we love to hear all about it every year.”