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The National
16 hours ago
- Business
- The National
Tall Ships celebration attracts 400,000 visitors to Aberdeen
Described as one of Scotland's biggest tourism events, this year the Tall Ship Races began on Saturday and saw thousands of people cheer on almost 50 vessels from around the world. The four-day event concluded on Tuesday with organisers hailing it as an outstanding success, along with boosting the economy and re-energising the Granite City with a 'renewed sense of pride and confidence' in the future. It was estimated that 400,000 visitors made the trip to Port of Aberdeen with tens of thousands more at the beach and around the bay during the Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025. READ MORE: Edinburgh gift shop accused of tax evasion following UK-wide probe In partnership with Aberdeen City Council, Port of Aberdeen, and Aberdeen Inspired, the event boasted a packed programme ranging from Quayside Concerts featuring performances from Deacon Blue and Kaiser Chiefs along with a display from the Red Arrows. First Minister John Swinney praised the success of the Tall Ships when he toured the Port of [[Aberdeen]]'s Marine Operation Centre on Tuesday and watched the Parade of Sail, which marked the end of the four-day extravaganza. He also met Tall Ships sail trainees who had been sailing from Dunkirk to Aberdeen along with volunteers who made sure the event was smooth sailing for all to enjoy. (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) Swinney said: 'It has made me extremely proud to witness first-hand the success of The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 and meet some of the people involved. 'The young crew members who have sailed from Dunkirk to Aberdeen are a true inspiration. And the four-day programme, pulled together so expertly by organisers and volunteers, has been an incredible spectacle that will be remembered for years to come. 'Aberdeen has built a strong reputation as a globally recognised event hub that boosts local economy, community pride, and international connections. 'The Scottish Government is committed to supporting world-class events like The Tall Ships Races that raise Scotland's profile, attract tourism and investment, and grow our economy.' The Tall Ships Races was the biggest event staged in the Granite City in a generation, and organisers of the event said the full impact it has had on the economy now and into the future will be closely assessed. (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) Highlights of the event included the chance to explore the ships themselves, while budding sailors were also able to enjoy the bustling market of Curated On The Quayside along with pop-up bars and food stalls as well as free music and entertainment all day long. Councillor Martin Greig, chair of the Aberdeen Tall Ships organising committee, said the whole experience was 'rewarding' for young people. He said: 'I'm pleased that the event turned out to be so popular. The huge number of more than 400,000 visits is a massive boost for our area. The crowds of people show this has been a truly inclusive event for all ages and abilities. 'The Tall Ships visit has been a marvellous, uplifting experience for everyone involved. It's been great to welcome so many visitors from far and wide to our harbour and to our city. The festival has given enormous pleasure to so many thousands of people. 'It has been a really splendid time for sharing fun, learning and friendship. Aberdeen opened itself up to the world and has confirmed our identity as a good-natured, kind community. 'Young people are at the heart of the Tall Ships and it has been especially rewarding to see them benefit from the opportunities of taking part in so many different ways. Hopefully our city can build on the amazing experiences of Tall Ships 2025 so that we can continue to grow together as a cosmopolitan, outward-looking place.' Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: 'Wow, what a party that was! It created such a fantastic sense of vibrancy and excitement in the city that everyone who enjoyed it will never forget it. And 400,000 visits is an astonishing achievement. 'As well as the fun, the Tall Ships brought with them a major economic lift for the city with a huge jump in footfall for all the city centre businesses, who made the most of this opportunity, dressing their shops in bunting and posters, welcoming visitors through the door. It also underlines just how much there is to see and enjoy in our city centre.'
South Wales Argus
4 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Brendan Rodgers wants to add more goals to Celtic squad in transfer window
The 25-year-old was introduced to supporters before a 4-0 friendly victory against Newcastle but Rodgers is looking for more goal threats. The Scottish champions previously added Kieran Tierney, Hayato Inamura, Benjamin Nygren, Callum Osmand and Ross Doohan to their squad but Rodgers said: 'I've still got a lot of work to do. 'But the guys that are training and working with us are doing so well. They're all developing their fitness and participating in the games for us. Brendan Rodgers enjoyed the friendly win over Newcastle (Jane Barlow/PA) 'But I would expect us by the end of the window to have brought in players in certain areas of the pitch that we will need to go through a really long season. 'I think it's bringing goals to the squad. Especially when you score four goals, it seems like you're okay, but we lost an important player in Kyogo in January, he brought us a lot of goals. We lost Nicolas Kuhn. He brought us a lot of goals. Matt O'Riley even last summer. 'So even though we scored a lot of goals last season, we still want more. And our ambition is to have more. So I think all across the front areas, we have to be active in order to give us that depth that we need.' Yamada has arrived from Kawasaki Frontale, where he scored 32 goals in 121 appearances, on a four-year contract. The 25-year-old recently won his first international cap and joins compatriots Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda and Inamura at Celtic Park. Rodgers said: 'His profile suits how we play. He's one of the quickest players from the Japanese league. He's deemed quicker than Daizen and Kyogo in terms of statistics. 'And that's how we play. We have speed on the top line. He'll give us that depth as well.' Celtic have Champions League play-offs to navigate in the second half of August but Rodgers is prepared to be patient for further signings. 'Any coach would love to have them in on the first day of pre-season,' he said. 'But we all know how the market works. We get a busy little period and then there's another period and then it ramps up at the end. 'But as long as they're here by the end of August and obviously in some areas we would like them sooner, but by the end of August, we'll be able to see the squad that we have and take it from there.' Celtic's Liam Scales (left) celebrates his goal (Jane Barlow/PA) Celtic swept Newcastle aside thanks to an Arne Engels penalty, Johnny Kenny's easy finish after a mistake from goalkeeper Nick Pope, a goal from Yang Hyun-jun on the counter-attack, and Liam Scales' header. Rodgers, whose side beat Sporting Lisbon 2-0 in midweek, said: 'It was an excellent exercise. We had a really tough 10 days over in Portugal and played a really good game on Wednesday night. 'So, just a continuation. The guys are looking strong, getting better. And, obviously, our tactical idea against a top team, you're looking to play with that authority and creativity. And it was really good.'
Glasgow Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Brendan Rodgers wants to add more goals to Celtic squad in transfer window
The 25-year-old was introduced to supporters before a 4-0 friendly victory against Newcastle but Rodgers is looking for more goal threats. The Scottish champions previously added Kieran Tierney, Hayato Inamura, Benjamin Nygren, Callum Osmand and Ross Doohan to their squad but Rodgers said: 'I've still got a lot of work to do. 'But the guys that are training and working with us are doing so well. They're all developing their fitness and participating in the games for us. Brendan Rodgers enjoyed the friendly win over Newcastle (Jane Barlow/PA) 'But I would expect us by the end of the window to have brought in players in certain areas of the pitch that we will need to go through a really long season. 'I think it's bringing goals to the squad. Especially when you score four goals, it seems like you're okay, but we lost an important player in Kyogo in January, he brought us a lot of goals. We lost Nicolas Kuhn. He brought us a lot of goals. Matt O'Riley even last summer. 'So even though we scored a lot of goals last season, we still want more. And our ambition is to have more. So I think all across the front areas, we have to be active in order to give us that depth that we need.' Yamada has arrived from Kawasaki Frontale, where he scored 32 goals in 121 appearances, on a four-year contract. The 25-year-old recently won his first international cap and joins compatriots Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda and Inamura at Celtic Park. Rodgers said: 'His profile suits how we play. He's one of the quickest players from the Japanese league. He's deemed quicker than Daizen and Kyogo in terms of statistics. 'And that's how we play. We have speed on the top line. He'll give us that depth as well.' Celtic have Champions League play-offs to navigate in the second half of August but Rodgers is prepared to be patient for further signings. 'Any coach would love to have them in on the first day of pre-season,' he said. 'But we all know how the market works. We get a busy little period and then there's another period and then it ramps up at the end. 'But as long as they're here by the end of August and obviously in some areas we would like them sooner, but by the end of August, we'll be able to see the squad that we have and take it from there.' Celtic's Liam Scales (left) celebrates his goal (Jane Barlow/PA) Celtic swept Newcastle aside thanks to an Arne Engels penalty, Johnny Kenny's easy finish after a mistake from goalkeeper Nick Pope, a goal from Yang Hyun-jun on the counter-attack, and Liam Scales' header. Rodgers, whose side beat Sporting Lisbon 2-0 in midweek, said: 'It was an excellent exercise. We had a really tough 10 days over in Portugal and played a really good game on Wednesday night. 'So, just a continuation. The guys are looking strong, getting better. And, obviously, our tactical idea against a top team, you're looking to play with that authority and creativity. And it was really good.'
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Brendan Rodgers wants to add more goals to Celtic squad in transfer window
The Scottish champions previously added Kieran Tierney, Hayato Inamura, Benjamin Nygren, Callum Osmand and Ross Doohan to their squad but Rodgers said: 'I've still got a lot of work to do. 'But the guys that are training and working with us are doing so well. They're all developing their fitness and participating in the games for us. Brendan Rodgers enjoyed the friendly win over Newcastle (Jane Barlow/PA) 'But I would expect us by the end of the window to have brought in players in certain areas of the pitch that we will need to go through a really long season. 'I think it's bringing goals to the squad. Especially when you score four goals, it seems like you're okay, but we lost an important player in Kyogo in January, he brought us a lot of goals. We lost Nicolas Kuhn. He brought us a lot of goals. Matt O'Riley even last summer. 'So even though we scored a lot of goals last season, we still want more. And our ambition is to have more. So I think all across the front areas, we have to be active in order to give us that depth that we need.' Yamada has arrived from Kawasaki Frontale, where he scored 32 goals in 121 appearances, on a four-year contract. The 25-year-old recently won his first international cap and joins compatriots Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda and Inamura at Celtic Park. Rodgers said: 'His profile suits how we play. He's one of the quickest players from the Japanese league. He's deemed quicker than Daizen and Kyogo in terms of statistics. 'And that's how we play. We have speed on the top line. He'll give us that depth as well.' Celtic have Champions League play-offs to navigate in the second half of August but Rodgers is prepared to be patient for further signings. 'Any coach would love to have them in on the first day of pre-season,' he said. 'But we all know how the market works. We get a busy little period and then there's another period and then it ramps up at the end. 'But as long as they're here by the end of August and obviously in some areas we would like them sooner, but by the end of August, we'll be able to see the squad that we have and take it from there.' Celtic's Liam Scales (left) celebrates his goal (Jane Barlow/PA) Celtic swept Newcastle aside thanks to an Arne Engels penalty, Johnny Kenny's easy finish after a mistake from goalkeeper Nick Pope, a goal from Yang Hyun-jun on the counter-attack, and Liam Scales' header. Rodgers, whose side beat Sporting Lisbon 2-0 in midweek, said: 'It was an excellent exercise. We had a really tough 10 days over in Portugal and played a really good game on Wednesday night. 'So, just a continuation. The guys are looking strong, getting better. And, obviously, our tactical idea against a top team, you're looking to play with that authority and creativity. And it was really good.'
Scotsman
4 days ago
- General
- Scotsman
Why I'm proud to call 'Scotland's worst seaside resort' my home
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, 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... 'Are you doing Edinburgh this year?' It's a question asked of many performers, meaning 'are you doing the Fringe this August?' When I lived in the city, involved in the performing arts for most of my adult life until 2020, it tickled me to be asked this annually. I 'did' Edinburgh every day. I planned to for the rest of my life. Sure, her drinks were extortionate, her rents became alarming, and the old architecture looked down on the shiny glass of yet another student accommodation block with understandable disdain. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But I loved her. She was a privilege to know – yes, a little difficult to – but worth the effort. Our relationship felt permanent, despite others finding her a mere 'base' or a transient city, to be studied in, 'done', or visited, before leaving. I'd served her tourists, extremely incompetently, as a waitress in my late teens. I'd dropped out of one of her universities in a hail of failure in the year 2000. I'd pulled pints in her clubs, performed on her stages from the noughties onwards. It is a wonderful thing to live in Edinburgh, a city that so many people want to visit (Picture: Jane Barlow) | PA Privilege of life in Edinburgh I'd cleaned her apartments and ferried distraught, often angry, newly homeless individuals and families into temporary accommodation, all over the city, as a homelessness warden in 2008/09. I eventually taught in three of her secondary schools, from coastal, diverse-intake comprehensives, to a posher state school in the leafy suburb of Barnton. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad I knew her – as many writers have noted – to be a city of enormous contrasts. 'All roads lead to Princes Street,' the saying goes, but I was well aware that the city centre, with the arts hubs I was working towards making a full-time living in, didn't reflect her full story. Nevertheless, until my final year in Edinburgh, by which point I'd been a full-time, freelance poet/performer and literary events programmer for a few years, I felt an enormous privilege living somewhere that people loved to visit. Edinburgh was proud of herself, of her culture, her history. Breaking up with her was traumatic. But, frankly, by the time I left she really hadn't been behaving herself. Amongst other antics, her most eminent university caved to shouty activist pressure in 2020, renaming David Hume Tower the bland '40 George Square'. On the basis of complaints over one footnote in one essay, which, as poet Don Paterson pointed out in a recent polemic for the Irish Pages is entirely at odds with everything else Hume ever wrote, contemporary Edinburgh decided to put the boot in, declaring 'problematic' one of her most famous philosophers and influential sons. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad People stroll along Ayr beach (Picture: John Devlin) | National World No regrets about leaving Edinburgh had started to feel hostile. The increase in 'cancel culture' activism across the arts, and a subsequent change in finances, meant divorce was necessary. I packed up my scuffed memories, moving to the seaside town of Ayr, near where I grew up spending my teenage-hood dreaming of leaving for a life in Edinburgh. Ten days later, the Covid lockdown, 2020 was discombobulating... Five years in, however, I've no regrets. Apart from anything else, my writer's income wouldn't get me a mortgage on a letterbox in Edinburgh. I'm now in the nicest, most affordable apartment I've ever lived in. Yes, the seagulls are boisterous: one of them in particular should be on the stalking register for the way it eyes my cats through the window. But the salt cure of being next to the sea is priceless. My neighbours are friendly. The skies seem huge after the cramped, no-sunlight tenements of Tollcross. And, if I can thank those pesky Edinburgh arts activists for something, I experienced the otherwise bleak isolation of Covid in a place of serious beauty. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The River Ayr, where I used to go when skiving school 25 years prior, was a particular source of solace in those early days. Coming to terms with successfully escaping Ayrshire, only to be chewed up and spat out by the city, returning as someone then pushing 40, wasn't exactly the life-plan. 'That's my girl' But, in confirmation that my wee town truly is home now, I enjoyed my reaction to a recent headline. ''Scotland's worst seaside resort' revealed as locals blast 'ghost town' full of empty shops that's 'only getting worse'' led the story in The Sun. According to a survey of 3,800 Which? magazine readers, Ayr failed to impress many tourists, with residents also eager to point out the obvious decline of the town over the last three decades. My response? A chuckle and a 'that's my girl!' Like the early philosophers urged, Ayr knows itself. As with Edinburgh, it has a rich history worth exploring. But nobody denies the grim state of this once-thriving holiday town; nobody tries to put a shine on the stark situation. While there are pockets of affluence, like many Ayrshire towns there is serious rural poverty, a lack of affordable housing, and schools that struggle to improve educational attainment. While some have responded to the Which? survey by extolling the virtues of good transport links to Glasgow, the plentiful family-oriented activities and beautiful countryside (all true), as a resident it's unavoidable: Ayr is tired, needing more than sticking-plaster solutions to solve its problems. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Nevertheless, I'm certain residents wouldn't indulge activists trying to rename Burns Statue Square, denigrating the celebrated Ayrshire-born poet's entire work, despite his arguably 'problematic' utterances. While the town struggles, it's characterised by real potential; people trying to improve things – alongside those who rightly chuff about the seeming lack of vision from local authorities. Much as with Edinburgh, Ayr's taken some getting used to, particularly after so long away from her. Despite the divorce, Edina and I are also back on – albeit cautious – speaking terms. But Ayr is, proudly, home, for the foreseeable.
