Meet the trainees keeping the history of Tall Ships alive at festival
Things may have gotten off to a rather thundery start on Sunday, with lightning streaking across the skies as a weather warning remained in place, but it didn't deter the thousands arriving in the Granite City to admire the tall ships.
But behind the colourful spectacle is an international mission to keep the history of tall ships alive, by encouraging young people to take part. STV News
For the Pogoria, named after a lake in Poland, it takes a crew of 51 to man the 46-metre-long boat. Run by the Polish Maritime Academy, her masts stand at an impressive 30 metres.
And with 13 sails hoisted across its three masts, its a tall order for the trainees on board – but an opportunity they are relishing.
Hania Piatrzkiewicz explained: 'I sailed two times on the Baltic Sea and it was incredible experience, so I wanted to try something more demanding. So, I chose to go on the Tall Ship Races and it happened to be on Pogoria. So I'm really glad that I made that decision and ended up here.' STV News
Mateusz Doniec added: 'This was my first time on sea. Before I only got my sailing license and sailed with my parents on some lakes in Poland, but it wasn't really anything crazy. So this was the first time experience for me.
'I think it was really life changing because I want to keep doing that. I want to pursue that.'
A vessel from closer to home, the Swan, is celebrating her 125th birthday this year. And while the ship, from Shetland, isn't the oldest at Tall Ships, she still has an interesting history.
Some ten trainees are part of the 15-person crew, who are keeping things ship-shape.
Ellie, the skipper of the Swan, told STV News: 'She was originally built as a herring drifter. And every night they would go out to the fishing grounds. They would then drop the nets, drop the sails, drop the mast all the way down, and go to sleep. Stay drifting all night.
'The next morning, sails would come back up again, fish back on board, and they would race back to port as quick as they could to try for the fish not to go off.' STV News
The Tall Ships Festival isn't just about getting people into sailing or offering them a new experience – it's about developing life skills as well.
Vanessa Mori from Sail Training International explains: 'It is a life changing experience for most of the people taking part. It gives them the dream that they can do whatever they put their mind to.'
A parade through the city centre ended the second day of the Tall Ships Races and while it was a damp affair, it certainly didn't dampen spirits of those taking part.
On Monday, a new cohort of young sailors will arrive onboard the ships for the next leg of the race to Norway, setting sail on Tuesday.
Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scotsman
a day ago
- Scotsman
Edinburgh is going nowhere under Labour
Conservative councillor Neil Cuthbert Aberdeen just hosted the Tall Ships race, welcoming 400,000 visitors to Scotland's biggest tourism event this year. The major Union Square shopping centre broke footfall records with over 140,000 visitors during the weekend. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Did these massive crowds cause traffic chaos? Actually, no. Traffic Scotland reported drivers were 'getting a good run on the A90, A96 and the AWPR this afternoon' on Sunday. This contrasts sharply with Edinburgh, where large-scale events like Murrayfield concerts regularly cause bypass gridlock. The difference is simple: the north east has invested in proper trunk road infrastructure, particularly the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR). The results speak for themselves. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon noted in 2019 that the AWPR shifted vehicles away from nose-to-tail traffic, reducing emissions and improving air quality for around 75,000 homes while creating better conditions for pedestrians and cyclists. You might expect Edinburgh's politicians to learn from this success. Think again. An artist's impression of the proposed Sheriffhall roundabout flyover At June's Transport Committee, I proposed a comprehensive motion requesting traffic impact assessment for the City Mobility Plan's proposed road closures. The A720 bypass already handles over 120,000 vehicles daily beyond capacity, with frequent congestion at key junctions. Recently both East Lothian and Midlothian councils have written to the Scottish Government expressing frustration over delays to the Sheriffhall roundabout improvements. My motion sought proper analysis of how city centre road closures planned by the council might worsen A720 congestion, especially during major events. Recent examples like Robbie Williams' concert at Murrayfield in May demonstrated the bypass's vulnerability to traffic displacement. I requested investigation of mitigation measures, enhanced public transport options and coordination with the Scottish Government on this trunk road responsibility. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The response? Labour's Convener moved to simply ignore the mounting evidence, with the Liberal Democrats, SNP and Greens ganging up to pretend these road problems don't exist. No evidence-based assessment. No consideration of network resilience. No coordination with neighbouring councils. Just 'do nothing'. This coalition of inaction leaves Edinburgh commuters facing daily chaos with no hope of improvement. While Aberdeen demonstrates how proper road investment creates benefits for everyone – drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike – Edinburgh's politicians prefer ideological posturing over practical solutions. Labour has run out of ideas for Edinburgh. Their approach of ignoring problems while they worsen shows complete indifference to residents' daily struggles. When these parties next seek your vote, perhaps the response should be 'No Action' in return.
STV News
3 days ago
- STV News
Outlander fans flock to historic sites ahead of final season
The eighth and final season of Outlander will soon hit our screens with fans across the world braced for the end of an era. Since its debut in 2014, the blockbuster series has significantly boosted tourism, with some historic sites reporting visitor numbers soaring by more than 200%. Among the most popular destinations is Midhope Castle in the Hopetoun estate, about four kilometres west of South Queensferry. The landmark gained global fame as Lallybroch, Jamie Fraser's ancestral home. Up until a few years ago, this was farmland with next to zero visitors. Now, 80,000 tourists are expected this summer alone. STV News 'It's quite a lot of people, to say the least,' James Gourlay from Midhope Castle said. 'We used to be a farmyard, then everything changed. STV News 'Outlander is a fantastic story. People are coming here from all over the world. It's been a joy.' The castle's popularity has provided opportunities to showcase the wider Hopetoun Estate and its real-life history. 'It gave us the opportunity to tell the proper history of who worked and stayed here. It's been good fun.' Inspired by the series, photographer Daria Bilyk runs Outlander photoshoots, complete with custom-made period costumes. 'I didn't want to just have people wearing jeans and puffer jackets – I wanted to tell the story,' she added. STV News Supplied Daria has captured people of all ages and walks of life, from newlyweds and anniversary couples to people on solo adventures. 'People are in love with the show and want to romanticise their lives, living through these characters,' she said. 'But we've also had some people who haven't even watched Outlander; they just want to wear beautiful attire and have a great time, make memories, and bring these photos as souvenirs from Scotland. 'Photographs live on, and I'm a small part of it. It makes me proud to do this. It's incredible to witness.' Supplied According to a Visit Scotland survey, 36% of European visitors and 37% of long-haul visitors are inspired to visit the country due to films, TV series and books set in Scotland. While bumping into celebrities isn't guaranteed, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of Outlander through its filming locations. Key locations including Blackness Castle, Doune Castle, Midhope Castle, Culross, Falkland and the Highland Folk Museum have become fan favourites. Culross Palace in Dunfermline is a main destination for fans and is now also home to a costume worn by an Outlander character inspired by a historical figure. Geillis Duncane was the name of a real woman who was tried as a witch in 1591 during the North Berwick witch trials in Scotland. The 'withdrawing room' in the palace is used as the fictional Geillis's parlour in season one. STV News STV News Tour guide Fiona Morrison said: 'Geillis is a real person who lived in the 1590s near Edinburgh. She was a servant girl, and unfortunately, she was accused of being a witch by her employer, David Seaton. She was strangled and burned. 'We always try to fit in real history. We make visitors aware that although the building was used in Outlander, it has its own fantastic history as well.' While the Outlander story might be reaching its final chapter, its legacy will likely be felt for some time yet. The National Trust for Scotland say screen tourism is now a vital part of its conservation work. Filming manager Anna Rathband: 'It's been huge – the show has helped highlight Scottish history and engage fans from all over the world. It's been fantastic to see. 'Income from filming goes directly back to the conservation of the site. There's also the legacy of film tours, which is a significant part of how we engage with our audience. 'It's been really rewarding.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
STV News
5 days ago
- STV News
Security ramps up for Trump visit: 'All eyes will be on our wee corner of Scotland'
'When Donald Trump visits, all eyes will be on our wee corner of Scotland.' A major security operation is under way, with police on the ground and restrictions on airspace as South Ayrshire prepares to welcome the President of the United States. 'I think the security is much tighter this time,' Simon Glendinning, a local historian, told STV News. 'There's a lot of police activity right now. A fence has been put up around the golf course, but he's the President of the United States and there are certain security measures that need to happen.' STV News The road through Turnberry has been closed for the past few days, and it will be shut to everyone except locals until Donald Trump leaves. The President is set to arrive in Scotland for a four-day visit on Friday night. It's officially a private rather than presidential visit, but Trump is expected to visit both of his golf courses in Scotland and meet with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The Scottish Government has said plans are also being made for him to meet First Minister John Swinney. Some locals told STV they 'don't like him at all', and say Trump has a 'lack of moral fibre'. One man in Prestwick town centre called the President 'a strange character'. STV News Mr Glendinning said the people of Turnberry and South Ayrshire have a 'different relationship' with Trump after he bought the golf resort in 2014. 'When he bought the hotel it was really good for us locals because we were worried it would go into disrepair,' he said. 'He's invested millions of pounds into the hotel and turned it into one of the most prestigious golf courses in Scotland. 'No one can fail to point out that Turnberry is a large local employer. With the money that's been invested in the hotel, I think it's done great for the area.' He added: 'When the president visits this week, all eyes are going to be on our wee corner of Scotland.' Another local woman said she had to 'give Trump respect for what he is'. One man said: 'Trump is a strong leader. He's went into [the United States] and sorted it out. I think we need the same action in this country.' Trump's visit is expected to prompt protesters to take to the streets. Police Scotland and the First Minister have urged people to express their views 'peacefully' and 'within the law'. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
