Tall Ships leave lasting legacy of a re-energised Aberdeen in their wake as spectacular event attracts more than 400,000 visits
With a magnificent Parade of Sail, the Tall Ships have bid a fond farewell to Aberdeen after attracting more than 400,000 visits over the past four days and creating a lasting legacy for the Granite City, say organisers.
The partner organisations – Aberdeen City Council, Port of Aberdeen and Aberdeen Inspired – hailed the four-day event as an outstanding success, boosting the economy and re-energising the Granite City with a renewed sense of pride and confidence in the future.
Organisers unveiled visitor numbers that show an estimated 400,000 visits to Port of Aberdeen with tens of thousands more at the beach and around the bay during the Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025.
The figures were released as the almost 50 Tall Ships made their way out of the harbour in an organised procession of vessels. The stunning Parade of Sail, bringing the Tall Ships event to a close, was watched and cheered by thousands of people from nearby vantage points, such as Pocra Quay and Torry Battery.
Organisers also thanked the hundreds of thousands of visitors for embracing the past four days of celebration, fun and excitement that saw almost 50 beautiful vessels transform the harbour, alongside a packed programme of events, from Quayside Concerts to the high-flying Red Arrows.
Councillor Martin Greig, chair of the Aberdeen Tall Ships organising committee, 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.
“Above all, The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen was a masterclass in partnership, co-operation and vision that saw the public, private and third sectors all working together to create something special and unique. It is that spirit of ‘Team Aberdeen’ that we now need to harness to make our city the best it can be. That is the best legacy the Tall Ships can leave us.”
“Welcoming The Tall Ships Races back to Aberdeen has been one of the proudest moments of my life. Seeing our harbour come alive with these majestic vessels, and the joy they brought to hundreds of thousands of people, was genuinely moving.”
Bob Sanguinetti DL, CEO, Port of Aberdeen, continued: “This event is deeply connected to our city’s rich maritime heritage, and it’s been inspiring to see that legacy reignited, not only for those who remember the events of the ’90s, but also for a new generation experiencing the magic for the first time.
“I’m hugely grateful to my team at the port, our brilliant partners at Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeen Inspired, and the many organisations and individuals who gave their support. But above all, my heartfelt thanks go to the incredible volunteers. They gave their time and energy to make this event possible and we simply couldn’t have done it without them.”
First Minister John Swinney also praised the success of the Tall Ships when he toured the Port of Aberdeen’s Marine Operation Centre today and watched the Parade of Sail.
He also met Tall Ships sail trainees who have been on the voyage of lifetime, sailing from Dunkirk to Aberdeen, and volunteers who helped to deliver the amazing once-in-a-generation event.
Mr 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 Aberdeen the biggest event staged in the Granite City in a generation and the full impact it has had on the economy now and into the future will be closely assessed.
Highlights included the chance to explore the ships themselves, 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.
The Quayside Concert series saw sell-out gigs by Deacon Blue, Ministry of Sound Classical, Tide Lines and Calum Bowie, with Kaiser Chiefs bringing the festival to a rousing end last night (Monday).
In addition, crowds thronged to the Discovery Zone at the Castlegate, the thrilling funfair on King Street and the Military Village at Union Terrace Gardens.
Emma Wadee, Aberdeen City Council’s project manager for the Tall Ships Races, said: “After years of planning and preparation and four days of glorious celebration it is a poignant moment to watch the Tall Ships leave Aberdeen and start their race to Kristiansand.
“But they are leaving so many people with so many memories of their visit here. I know that everyone who came along to the event – as visitors, traders, sail trainees, volunteers or organisers – will be talking about The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 for years to come.”
