Latest news with #TallShipRaces
The National
22-07-2025
- 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.'
STV News
20-07-2025
- STV News
Meet the trainees keeping the history of Tall Ships alive at festival
Celebrations in Aberdeen are continuing as the Tall Ships Races brings in even more visitors to the city to see a stunning array of some 50 vessels on the quayside. 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
The National
19-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Aberdeen weekend night bus services to return
Aberdeen City Council announced it has awarded First Bus a contract to provide services for five routes from the city centre on weekends from the evening of Friday, June 27, for the next three years. The reintroduction of the night bus services follows on from the successful pilot service over the 2024 festive season. All services will operate on Friday night and early Saturday morning and Saturday night and early Sunday morning only, from midnight to approximately 3.30am. READ MORE: Police Scotland urged to reject 'misogynistic' pregnancy loss guidance Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Christian Allard welcomed the news as he said it will help support businesses in the area and will give people more choice on how they will get home. He said: 'The return of the night buses will be welcomed by businesses in the city centre and are part of our Purple Flag status for city centre safety and vibrancy. 'The Aberdeen City Council move will help to support businesses by giving people another transport option for getting home.' The night bus services will be funded by bus lane enforcement revenue. The local authority said single fares will apply on the service and that people will be allowed to use both concessionary and Under 22's National Entitlement Cards on the service. (Image: Norman Adams) Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill added the service will be launched in time for the popular Tall Ship Races which is due to set sail from Saturday, July 19, to Tuesday July 22. He said: 'The night bus service over Christmas and New Year was popular. I am delighted the City Council is bringing night bus services back year-round. These services being in place in time for the Tall Ships arriving in the city is a real bonus. 'Over the Tall Ships weekend, many more people than normal are expected to be enjoying the cafes, restaurants, and pubs in the city centre. The night buses will provide safe and efficient transport for visitors to our city centre. 'I hope as many people as possible take advantage of this cost-effective and safe transport to get home.' The routes announced for the service are as follows: N1, City Centre (Alford Place) – Danestone, via Seaton; Dubford and Ashwood N17, City Centre (Union Terrace) – Inverurie, via Great Northern Road, Bucksburn & Dyce N23, City Centre (Bridge Street) – Kingswells, via Summerhill and Sheddocksley N201, City Centre (Bridge Street) – Banchory, via Mannofield; Cults; Bieldside; Milltimber; and Peterculter N18, City Centre (Bridge Street) – Cove/Charleston via Kincorth. David Adam, head of operations at First Bus Aberdeen, welcomed the new service as he said: 'We are delighted to be working with Aberdeen City Council to launch this night bus service in Aberdeen, making it easier for people to get home later in the night, while continuing to support local businesses in the city. 'It's important people have the confidence they will be able to get home safely and affordably when going to enjoy a meal, some drinks or a night out at one of the fantastic venues in the city centre. We hope the introduction of the new night bus routes will do just that.'
Press and Journal
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
Let loose with little ones at the Tall Ships Races
There's no doubt the Tall Ship Races will be a spectacle when it takes place in Aberdeen from Saturday July 19 to Tuesday July 22 2025, and it will provide days out to remember for all ages. Some Press and Journal online content is funded by outside parties. The revenue from this helps to sustain our independent news gathering. You will always know if you are reading paid-for material as it will be clearly labelled as 'Partnership' on the site and on social media channels. This can take two different forms. This means the content has been paid for and produced by the named advertiser. This means the content has been paid for and approved by the named advertiser but written and edited by our own commercial content team. However, for little ones, it offers a unique chance to create truly magical memories and ignite their imaginations with all the fun, colour and excitement the event brings to Aberdeen. From spotting Captain Jack the pirate, exploring mythical monsters of the deep and stepping on board the tall ships to the best picnic spots to rest and refuel, here's how to make the most of the Tall Ships Races with kids. The Tall Ships certainly look like they are straight out of a swashbuckling fairytale, and many certainly have interesting tales to tell – and a good story always captures a child's attention! For example, the stunning Wylde Swan is the largest two-mast topsail schooner in the world, while the Sorlandet is the oldest full-rigged ship in operation in the world and first crossed the Atlantic in 1933! The tall ship Belem is over 120 years old and began life as a cargo ship transporting sugar from the West Indies as well as cocoa and coffee from Brazil and French Guiana to Nantes in France. It's also been a private yacht for the 2nd Duke of Westminster and even sailed the seven seas under ownership of beer baron Sir Arthur Ernest Guinness. You wouldn't know to see it now, but the Thalassa actually sank in 1885 and has been totally rebuilt and refitted by owners Arnold Hilkema and Jacob Dan. Many of the Tall Ships docked at Port of Aberdeen's North Harbour will open their decks to the public during the event, offering a unique chance to explore these magnificent sailing vessels up close. In their 'day jobs', many of the Tall Ships are training hubs for young people – who knows, perhaps your little one might discover a passion for sailing the high seas! Across all four days the streets of Aberdeen feature a vibrant schedule of daytime entertainment including performances by local artists, ship bands, traditional sea shanty groups, street theatre and more. Keep an eye out and spot the Captain Jack lookalike, giant seagulls, and enjoy street theatre performances that will vary across the days. These include Ocho the Octopus, Long Time No Sea, The Mermaid, and Ooorargh Pirates. And don't miss out on your chance to get a picture with the Tall Ships mascot, Dorry the Dolphin, who'll be out and about during the four-day festival. A highlight of the Tall Ships Races, the Crew Parade will bring colour and joy to the streets of Aberdeen. Taking place on Sunday July 20 at 4pm, the Tall Ships crews are known to really embrace this event, dressing up and performing during the parade, making it a truly memorable event. Starting on Union Terrace and finishing at Quayside, the parade route follows School Hill, Broad Street, Castle Street, Marischal Street and Regent Quay before finishing at Peterson Seabase ahead of the Prizegiving Ceremony. Definitely a spectacular you won't want to miss, the Red Arrows will take to the skies above Aberdeen for a thrilling 22-minute show taking place on Monday July 21 at 5:30pm. The Beach Esplanade will be the perfect viewpoint. No matter your age, one of the key moments to witness at the Tall Ship Races 2025 is the Parade of Sail. Taking place from 10am on Tuesday July 22, it's a remarkable sight, you'll see all the incredible ships parade together along the Beach Esplanade towards the start of the race. Two large vessels brandishing water cannons will mark the starting line approximately 4km out at sea. The Discovery Zone is a STEM zone featuring organisations running family friendly come and try activities, alongside pop-up performances and a colouring wall. Packed-full of things to see and do, highlights include getting hands on with seashore life with the Macduff Marine Aquarium's Mobile Touchpools and taking on a boat building challenge with Aberdeen Science Centre. There are also LEGO workshops and virtual reality experiences with Skills Development Scotland. Once the Discovery Zone has been explored, a visit to the fabulous funfair on King Street in the city centre will win bonus points with kids of all ages during the Tall Ships Races. The funfair is being run by Codona's Amusement Park, the renowned funfair adjacent to Aberdeen's beachfront that has been a mainstay of family fun in the city since 1970. Another must visit destination with the kids is the Family Zone at Blaikie's Quay. With a focus on fun for all ages, it features a giant sandpit, Ferris wheel and children's entertainment. Have a monster loving tot? Monsters of the Deep: Science Fact or Fiction? at Aberdeen Art Gallery uncovers myths, legends and strange creatures, and delves into what really lurks beneath the waves. Take a deep breath and plunge down into the dark murky depths to explore the unexplained. Examine eerie deep-sea specimens, come face to face with the skull of a killer whale, marvel at the double-tusked skull of a narwhal and the tooth of an extinct megalodon. Find out how stories of strange appearances and unexplained sightings continue to capture imaginations, fuelled by conspiracy theories, science fiction books, comics and movies like Creature from the Black Lagoon and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. As part of the exhibition, which is currently running through until October this year, related events are also taking place at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum and Aberdeen Treasure Hub. Download the full programme of events here. Aberdeen Art Gallery and Maritime Museum will open until 8pm during the Tall Ships Races. When hunger strikes, you'll be spoilt for choice with a line-up of more than 50 food trucks to choose from – covering every taste imaginable from Mexican burritos to Chinese noodles, Korean street food or freshly baked Italian pizzas. There will be fish and chips, burgers and fries, salt 'n' chilli chicken and vegan and veggie options. Among the operators catering at the event will be well known local names such as Calum's Kitchen, Quismat Street Food, Little Molly's Cheesecake, Drumsleed and Watermelon Catering. Even the most intrepid little marine explorers might need a little downtime, and a family picnic makes the perfect excuse to take a little time out from the fun and excitement before heading back to action. Aberdeen Beach and Queens Links are a short walk away from Port of Aberdeen and offer golden sands, grassy areas, and a vibrant esplanade with cafes and ice cream stalls. A little further out, Greyhope Bay is another great picnic spot being a scenic headland offering panoramic views of the harbour, and as a bonus it's ideal for dolphin spotting too. Finally, what summer day out with the kids is complete without ice cream? Renowned ice cream parlour Mackie's 19.2 in Marischal Square Courtyard will be selling limited edition ice cream flavours specially created for the event. And with indoor seating available, all ages can relax and enjoy an ice cream treat no matter the weather!
