Latest news with #TheTallShipsRaces


STV News
19-07-2025
- Climate
- STV News
Weather warning widened as Scotland to be battered by thunderstorms
Scotland is set to be battered by downpours as a yellow weather warning has been brought forward and extended to cover most of the mainland. The Met Office brought forward a yellow weather warning for rain which was scheduled to come into force at 4pm on Saturday, instead predicting downpours will occur from midday. Up to 75mm of rain could fall within the space of just a few hours – equivalent to a month's worth of rain. The area set to be affected by rainfall covers the majority of the Scottish mainland and is expected to last until midday on Sunday. The Met Office said heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms are expected to hit the country, with a small chance of power cuts and flooding affecting some areas. Train and bus services may experience delays or cancellations due to the downpours. I'm sure you'll have noticed the humid feel to the air in the last day or two, and this plume of air will bring the possibility of some torrential downpours this weekend along with a thunder risk. On Saturday, it looks like the worst of the rain will spread across central and eastern parts of the country during the afternoon and evening, with the focus around the Borders, Edinburgh, Lothians, Lanarkshire, Fife, Angus and Aberdeenshire. In these areas we can expect 20-30mm of rain to fall quite widely, but a few spots could see some heavier downpours which could take totals towards 75mm, which would be the equivalent of a month's worth of rain. Obviously this quantity of rain could cause some issues locally. It's this sort of rainfall which causes the type of flooding which sees deep puddles develop on roads, making some impassable, and underpasses to become flooded – typical of summer downpours. It looks like another spell of heavy thundery rain will move north on Sunday, with again a focus on eastern areas, but may extend a bit further west than Saturday's into the likes of Glasgow, Ayrshire and parts of Argyll. This again brings the risk of some further flooding. There are plenty of events planned across the weekend — including The Tall Ships Races in Aberdeen, the Kirriemuir Agricultural Show, Crail Fest, and the Merchant City Festival. Keep an eye on updates for these and, if you're heading out, don't forget your rain gear (and maybe a towel!). 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
18-07-2025
- Climate
- STV News
Thunderstorms set to hit Scotland as yellow weather warning issued
A yellow weather warning for thunderstorms and rain has been put in place for parts of Scotland this weekend. The warning, in place from 4pm on Saturday until 12am on Sunday, will cover Fife, Strathclyde, the Highlands, Grampian, and South West Scotland. It has been stated that between 30mm and 40mm of rain could fall in a few hours. Difficult travel conditions and possible flooding have also been included in the warning, and those in affected areas have been urged to remain cautious. There is a 'slight' chance that areas could experience power cuts and loss of services like Wi-Fi and phone outages. Spray and flooding could lead to difficulties for drivers, possible road closures, and damage to homes and businesses is also possible from adverse weather conditions. I'm sure you'll have noticed the humid feel to the air in the last day or two, and this plume of air will bring the possibility of some torrential downpours this weekend along with a thunder risk. On Saturday, it looks like the worst of the rain will spread across central and eastern parts of the country during the afternoon and evening, with the focus around the Borders, Edinburgh, Lothians, Lanarkshire, Fife, Angus and Aberdeenshire. In these areas we can expect 20-30mm of rain to fall quite widely, but a few spots could see some heavier downpours which could take totals towards 75mm, which would be the equivalent of a months' worth of rain. Obviously this quantity of rain could cause some issues locally. It's this sort of rainfall which causes the type of flooding which sees deep puddles develop on roads, making some impassable, and underpasses to become flooded – typical of summer downpours. It looks like another spell of heavy thundery rain will move north on Sunday, with again a focus on eastern areas, but may extend a bit further west than Saturday's into the likes of Glasgow, Ayrshire and parts of Argyll. This again brings the risk of some further flooding. There are plenty of events planned across the weekend — including The Tall Ships Races in Aberdeen, the Kirriemuir Agricultural Show, Crail Fest, and the Merchant City Festival. Keep an eye on updates for these and, if you're heading out, don't forget your rain gear (and maybe a towel!). 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


Daily Record
15-07-2025
- Daily Record
Everything you need to know about Tall Ships Races 2025 as iconic event comes to Aberdeen
Around 400,000 visitors are expected as Aberdeen is set to host Europe's "biggest free family festival" Aberdeen is preparing to welcome one of Scotland's biggest tourism spectacles of the year as the final countdown begins for the Tall Ships Races 2025. Almost 50 majestic sailing vessels from across the globe will descend on the Granite City from this Friday, July 18, ahead of four days of festivities from Saturday, July 19, to Tuesday, July 22. Organisers are expecting around 400,000 visitors to the city during the event, which is billed as Europe's largest free family festival. It is almost 20 years since Scotland's biggest port welcomed the prestigious international sailing event The Tall Ships Races last came to Aberdeen in 1997, having also been there in 1991. The races are designed to promote international friendship and offer young people hands-on experience in the art of sailing. The vessels are split across four classes ranging from grand tall ships to nimble single-masted boats. They will begin arriving on Friday following a race leg from France. They will remain docked in Aberdeen until Tuesday, when they set sail for Norway. The ships will be berthed across several quaysides: Waterloo, Regent, Trinity, Upper, Jamieson's and Blaikies. The main entrance to the viewing areas will be via Marischal Street, and many of the ships will be open to visitors keen to step aboard. Among the fleet is Dar Mlodziezy from Poland, the tallest ship taking part at an impressive 62.5 metres high. Her name means 'the gift of youth', and she made her Tall Ships debut in 1982. The vessel that has travelled furthest to reach Aberdeen is BAP Union from Peru, covering a staggering 7,500 nautical miles (almost 14,000km) from Callao. Built in 2015, it is also the newest ship in the line-up. At the other end of the spectrum is Christiania, a 130-year-old beauty built in 1895. Roughly 2,000 crew members from countries as far-flung as Uruguay and Oman will participate, supported by hundreds of local volunteers. Music, food and family fun Aberdeen is set to transform into what organisers are calling a 'party city'. Major headline gigs from Deacon Blue, Kaiser Chiefs, and Ministry of Sound Classical are already sold out, while an eclectic programme of free live music will fill the city. The entertainment includes sets from Tide Lines, Calum Bowie, Glasvegas, Brooke Combe, The Little Kicks, Capollos, and Look Busy Collective. The festival will also showcase Scottish traditional music, jazz, hip hop, Afrobeat and Latin soul, along with performances from local choirs and youth ensembles. Families can head to Blaikies Quay, where a dedicated kids' zone will feature a giant sandpit and a chance to meet Dorry the Dolphin, the official Tall Ships Aberdeen mascot. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Travel advice and road closures With thousands expected each day, the city centre will be extremely busy. Organisers are urging people to walk, cycle, car share or use public transport where possible. Four regular Park and Ride sites will operate from Bridge of Don, Craibstone, P&J Live, and Kingswells. A number of road closures and parking restrictions will be in place around the harbour area, including Castle Street, King Street, Marischal Street, Regent Quay, Blaikies Quay, and Regent Road. Footdee's Pocra Quay and New Pier Road will remain accessible for residents and businesses only. For full maps, transport guidance and ship details, visitors are advised to check the official Tall Ships Aberdeen website.


The Herald Scotland
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Airport prepares to welcome 250,000 passengers this summer
Between June and the end of August, the airport anticipates approximately 250,000 departing passengers, as holidaymakers and business travellers take advantage of a wide range of domestic and international destinations. This summer, passengers can enjoy non-stop international flights to popular sun and city break destinations including Alicante, Amsterdam, Bergen, Corfu, Dalaman, Dublin, Faro, Gdansk, Krakow, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Reus, and Stavanger. READ MORE: The airport's preparations come on the heels of a major accolade, having recently been named Airport of the Year at the prestigious Scottish Transport Awards, recognising its commitment to service, innovation, and operational excellence. Mark Beveridge, Managing Director of Aberdeen International Airport, said: 'We're always delighted to be the gateway to summer for so many, and this year, the City and Shire have many great events to enjoy, including the Festival of the Sea and The Tall Ships Races. We look forward to welcoming as many inbound passengers as possible who may be experiencing our region for the first time. 'As always, we encourage travellers to prepare in the usual way—arrive in good time, check travel requirements with their airline, and enjoy the facilities we have on offer. Our team is ready to ensure a smooth and enjoyable start to everyone's journey.'

The National
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Tall Ships Aberdeen 2025 free festival line-up announced
A range of free events are set to take place over a four-day festival between July 19 and 22, as more than 50 vessels are expected to pull into Port Of Aberdeen's North Harbour from the UK, Europe, Oman, Uruguay and Peru. Events offered range from a variety of street food stalls, quayside bars and a STEM discovery zone amongst additional attractions throughout the city centre. (Image: Sail Training International) There will also be free live music offered across three different stages each day, with acts including Scots singer Iona Fyfe, jazz musician Nathan Somevi, and performances by Aberdeen talents AiiTee, Jackill and Chef. Emma Wadee, Aberdeen City Council's Tall Ships project manager, said: 'We know how much the people of Aberdeen love to party – we saw that during the Dons' Scottish Cup victory parade. 'We hope people will turn out in their thousands again to enjoy everything on offer at The Tall Ships Races and help turn the Granite City into Party City from morning to night.' READ MORE: Scottish Winter Fuel Payments to match UK's after U-turn, John Swinney says Bob Sanguinetti, chief executive of Port of Aberdeen, said: 'The return of the Tall Ships Races to Aberdeen is a landmark moment for our city and Port of Aberdeen. With a packed programme of free events and activities for all ages, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy. 'Accessibility is vital to this event, and an accessibility plan in in place for the event. This includes sensory spaces, BSL tours and changing place facilities. Extra blue badge parking and a shuttle bus running for blue badge holders from Pittodrie stadium up to every twenty minutes. Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: 'The unveiling of the full free programme reveals the true scale, breadth and sheer excitement of what The Tall Ships Races will bring to the Granite City. 'And with some 400,000 visits expected during the event, the economic impact of The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen cannot be underestimated. This is going to be a party the people of Aberdeen will never forget.' This July will mark the first time in nearly three decades the Tall Ship Races are in Aberdeen. For more information on the free festival, click here.