A CELEBRATION of tall ships has attracted more than 400,000 visitors to Aberdeen, organisers have said as the event draws to a close.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
