Aberdeen Council in talks for Tall Ships return after festival success

While the Tall Ships may have only departed Aberdeen two days ago, the council has confirmed it is already in talks for their triumphant return.

Lib Dem councillor Martin Greig is head of Aberdeen’s Tall Ships organising committee and Aberdeen City Council’s culture spokesperson.

He revealed the local authority has been in discussions with Sail Training International, but admits it is “too early to say” when the festival can return.

However, he believes that Aberdeen would be a “natural choice” as a future host, but only if they put together a strong enough case for it.

Mr Greig said: “It appears that organisers were pleased with the high level of participation and the high quality of the festival that we presented.

“I think we waited too long to bring the Tall Ships back after 28 years, so we’re definitely going to have a shorter wait.

“But we still have to weigh up and speak to Sail Training International about the appropriate time to do so.”

The Tall Ships are already booked up for the next three years, with the race plans already published online.

But does this mean that they could return in four years’ time?

While Mr Greig was wary to mention a specific time, he said: “We would need to wait a reasonable timescale before bringing them back.

“The festival requires a very significant financial and resource investment from the council and from sponsors and partners, so we’d have to carefully evaluate what is possible.

“It’s very clear that there is an enormous desire to bring this celebration back to the city.

“There will obviously be very carefully evaluated assessments of the cultural, social and economic impacts of the festival.

“Once we’ve got that data, evidence and feedback, we’ll be in a better position to decide and plan for the future of the Tall Ships and the Festival of the Sea.”

Following the massive success of this year’s festival, Mr Greig believes Aberdeen has what it takes to host it once again.

“There’s clearly enthusiasm for this kind of event, and we have proven that the city is good at welcoming people and putting on a show,” he stated.

“The Tall Ships has offered a very wide variety of activities that we’ve put on, from the large-scale concerts, a cultural music singing programme and storytelling.

“There’s been a carnival atmosphere so we’ve been inventive, and that’s paid off in providing a wide-ranging array of fun and activities and learning opportunities.”

Mr Greig also welcomed the “unprecedented” involvement by local businesses, community groups, organisations, schools, sports clubs, and even residents themselves.

“It’s been great to bring people from around the world to Aberdeen, and the people of the city have demonstrated their hospitality and given a very strong, friendly welcome to visitors.”

While the Tall Ships festival’s events and activities were a huge success, the positive outcomes didn’t end there.

Around 250 trainees from Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire were able to go on the vessels to learn about sailing and maritime teamwork.

The council was also inundated with applications from those looking to volunteer over the weekend; however, only a certain number were selected.

Mr Greig commented: “It demonstrates that we’ve got a very considerable capacity of people who want to be involved.

“Also the generosity of local businesses sponsoring, supporting and giving all kinds of help to make Tall Ships a success has been vital.

“It’s been a community-based activity, and that solidarity from everyone in the city has been humbling.

“It makes you proud of our city that everyone has felt involved,” he added.

But while we wait for any announcements, there may be opportunities for Aberdeen to welcome one-off visits from the ships.

For example, the port welcomed the Indonesian Navy’s newest and largest sail training ship, the Bima Suci, back in 2023 ahead of the festival.

“We have been able to enjoy spectacular visits, and we should be doing what we can to roll out the red carpet for our naval and other visits to the city,” Mr Greig said.

The Hazlehead, Queen’s Cross and Countesswells member was also delighted to hear that no arrests had been made over the four-day festival.

“There were huge crowds, hundreds of thousands of people in the city centre, but the atmosphere was always good-natured.

“The mood was really positive with friendly, smiling faces and laughter.”

He added: “It was just a marvellous time with wonderful happy memories.”