Latest news with #MalcolmMiller
STV News
20-07-2025
- STV News
'My father built the Malcolm Miller - to see her back in Aberdeen at Tall Ships is special'
A city steeped in maritime history, Aberdeen has built more than 3,000 vessels from its port at the mouth of the River Dee, ranging from fishing boats to ferries and sailing vessels. Fast forward to 2025, and you'd be hard pressed to see such a vessel in its port, the harbour mainly hosting vessels which support the energy industry. Not many boats are built there anymore and certainly not sailing boats. But this weekend, as part of the Tall Ships Races, one of the last sail training boats of its kind to be built in the Granite City has returned. The Malcolm Miller was built by the John Lewis and Son's shipyard in 1967, to help train hundreds of young trainees before she was bought over to be converted into a pleasure cruiser. STV News Although she's not racing in the event, she's been brough back as a 'festival ship' and crowds have gathered to welcome her back at her home port including Keith Grimmer and his family. His late father, Benjamin, worked as a welder at the John Lewis and Son's Shipyard in Aberdeen. In 1994, Keith, along with his then-wife Linda and father Benjamin, travelled aboard from Oban through the Sound of Mull and alongside the Isle of Lewis. Now 65, Keith has fond memories of the trip. He told STV News: 'The three of us went and that was special, but it was a working holiday because we were crewing the boat – we didn't see much of each other because we were on different watches. STV News 'We went from Oban, and along the west coast of Scotland. 'There were three farthings that were put on board the Malcolm Miller in 1967 to be blessed, and then her mast was lowered in and my father Benjamin welded in the mast, I believe the coins are still there.' His now ex-wife Linda joined Keith on the quayside in Aberdeen to reminisce about the trip. She said: 'It was a really special, but hard work, it was blowing around 40 knots I remember at one point as we sailed past Lewis. 'We've brought photos of Keith's dad onboard to show the crew today and one of him and his colleagues at the shipyard. 'To have the Malcolm Miller back in Aberdeen where she was made is really lovely.' STV News The Malcolm Miller was initially used by the Sail Training Association to teach young people to sail but was replaced in service by other vessels in 2000. She was then sold to private owners and used as a pleasure cruiser. The Malcolm Miller was damaged during a fire in 2008 but has since been transformed into a luxury yacht and spends most of her time in Cyprus. Sarah Barret was one of her young trainees in the 1990s and has returned to see her in Aberdeen, working for the ship as a liaison officer during the event. She said: 'To see her once again at Aberdeen's quayside was quite emotional. 'I sailed on her in 1994 and 1996, one of the trips I joined from Oban which went along the west coast, Orkney then onto Aberdeen. 'One of the men who worked on her in the 1960s was in touch with the owner and asked him if he'd consider bringing her across as a festival ship, so Aberdeen could see her once again. 'Learning to sail is so much more than just about the boats, I credit my sailing trips in the Malcolm Miller for helping to develop my confidence and teamwork, what I learned on board set me up well in my career in education.' 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
Press and Journal
18-07-2025
- General
- Press and Journal
How the Malcolm Miller went from scrap to splendour as it makes a triumphant return to Aberdeen
The Malcolm Miller made its glorious return to the Granite City this week, having been built here 58 years ago. The yacht is moored in the Port of Aberdeen as part of the Tall Ships Races, having journeyed more than 4,000 miles from Cyprus. Stepping aboard, you can see that it has been lovingly restored by owner, Ajax Eas. He saved it from being sold for scrap more than 15 years ago. The boat was originally built using funds from Sir James Miller, a former Lord Mayor of London and Lord Provost of Edinburgh. She was named in memory of Sir James's son Malcolm, who had been killed in a car accident. And for many years she was used by the Sail Training Association as a sail training ship. In June 2008, the vessel's story nearly came to an end, as she was damaged by fire while being refurbished. The incident left one man with serious burns and could have spelled the end for the Aberdeen-built ship. By August 2009, the ship was moored to a buoy in Falmouth harbour, mastless and ailing, though still bearing the name Malcolm Miller. It was then that her current owner stepped-in. She was bought by Mr Eas and taken to Gdansk, in Poland, to undergo a complete refit at the Conrad shipyard. Mr Eas said: 'She was a wreck, but you looked at the lines of the ship and you could still see the potential she had. 'I knew she could do it and I decided to give her another chance.' For more than 10 years Malcolm Miller has sailed the Baltic and Mediterranean Seas, venturing as far as the Caribbean. Mr Eas said: 'I realised that the Malcolm Miller was being sold for scrap in Falmouth and I was interested in the vessel so I bought it. 'Bringing it back to Aberdeen, it felt really amazing to see the reaction of people towards a ship that was built in Aberdeen.' The yacht was welcomed into the port by a piper, which Mr Eas says 'almost brought him to tears.' A unique touch added to the Malcolm Miller is its abnormally-large flag in the form of a St Andrew's Cross. The banner is 31ft – which represents the years of service between her construction and her most recent visit to Aberdeen, which was in 1999. Mr Eas says he loves seeing the Malcolm Miller glide through the water – noting that she is fast! A tour of the ship showcases the fine craftsmanship that has been put into restoring it. There's lots of polished wood, cosy cabins – though the master is very spacious – and a stainless steel galley. There is also plenty of room for the guests and crew aboard. The Malcolm Miller is in Aberdeen as a 'festival boat' rather than involved in the races as, despite her speed, Mr Eas prefers 'to cruise'.
The Herald Scotland
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Tall Ship Races vessels arrive in Aberdeen
They will stay in Scotland until July 22 and the competing ships will then race to Kristiansand in Norway and finally to Esbjerg in Denmark, arriving there in early August. The festival in Aberdeen is expected to attract around 400,000 visits between Saturday and Tuesday. Around 50 ships from around the globe will be berthed at the quaysides, which will host a range of attractions from food and craft stalls to street performers and concerts, while visitors will also be able to board some of the vessels. Events will also take place elsewhere in the city, including an international crew parade on Sunday with more than 1,500 sailors expected to take part, exhibitions, free activities and art installations. 🌊@tallshipsabdn will be Scotland's biggest 2025 event, attracting at least 400,000 visitors! Experience Tall Ships from across the world, each with a rich history and story & enjoy the onshore entertainment. Come for the ships, stay for the adventure! — EventScotland News (@EventScotNews) July 15, 2025 On Tuesday, the ships will depart with a 'parade of sail' along the quayside and beach esplanade. It emerged on Wednesday that tall ship TS Shtandart has been denied entry to the Port of Aberdeen due to current national and international legislation. The captain of the ship was born in Russia and sanctions introduced following the invasion of Ukraine mean the vessel cannot enter a UK port. Shtandart had originally entered to take part in race four between Kristiansand and Esbjerg. The TS Shtandart has released an open letter to the port authorities stating: 'The sail training ship TS Shtandart has been denied entry to the Port of Aberdeen. 'As a result, she and her crew have been excluded from the list of participants in the 2025 Tall Ships Races. 'Let us be absolutely clear: TS Shtandart is not a Russian ship. 'She does not fly the Russian flag. She is registered under the flag of the Cook Islands. She is owned by a Finnish citizen, operated by a German company and crewed by an international team. The magnificent three-mastered schooner Malcolm Miller has arrived in Aberdeen! And guess? Only 3 days to go! ⚓️⛵️#tallshipsaberdeen #tsr2025 — Tall Ships Aberdeen (@tallshipsabdn) July 16, 2025 'She has not visited Russia for more than 15 years and is neither owned, operated, nor funded – directly or indirectly – by any Russian entity or by the Russian Federation. 'Therefore, she does not fall under any categories listed in Article 57A of the UK Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations. 'The only remaining link to Russia is the captain's place of birth. He left the country over a decade ago and has since been a long-term resident and taxpayer in Germany. He has not returned to Russia in many years and has dedicated his life to education and youth development at sea. 'TS Shtandart carries no political message. She is not a threat nor a tool for propaganda. 'She is a floating school, an ambassador of peace, a bridge between generations and nations.' Sail Training International said Aberdeen was not a confirmed stop for the ship and Shtandart's captain, Vladimir Martus, was fully aware of the situation. It said: 'Sail Training International confirms that it received communications from the ports of Aberdeen, Kristiansand and Esbjerg informing us that Shtandart was denied entry into their ports, due to current national and international legislation. 'As a result of this, Sail Training International regrettably cancelled her participation in The Tall Ships Races 2025.'
Glasgow Times
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Tall Ship Races vessels arrive in Aberdeen
The race began in Le Havre in France in early July and the ships sailed round the coast to Dunkirk before travelling on to Aberdeen. They will stay in Scotland until July 22 and the competing ships will then race to Kristiansand in Norway and finally to Esbjerg in Denmark, arriving there in early August. The festival in Aberdeen is expected to attract around 400,000 visits between Saturday and Tuesday. Around 50 ships from around the globe will be berthed at the quaysides, which will host a range of attractions from food and craft stalls to street performers and concerts, while visitors will also be able to board some of the vessels. Events will also take place elsewhere in the city, including an international crew parade on Sunday with more than 1,500 sailors expected to take part, exhibitions, free activities and art installations. 🌊@tallshipsabdn will be Scotland's biggest 2025 event, attracting at least 400,000 visitors! Experience Tall Ships from across the world, each with a rich history and story & enjoy the onshore entertainment. Come for the ships, stay for the adventure! — EventScotland News (@EventScotNews) July 15, 2025 On Tuesday, the ships will depart with a 'parade of sail' along the quayside and beach esplanade. It emerged on Wednesday that tall ship TS Shtandart has been denied entry to the Port of Aberdeen due to current national and international legislation. The captain of the ship was born in Russia and sanctions introduced following the invasion of Ukraine mean the vessel cannot enter a UK port. Shtandart had originally entered to take part in race four between Kristiansand and Esbjerg. The TS Shtandart has released an open letter to the port authorities stating: 'The sail training ship TS Shtandart has been denied entry to the Port of Aberdeen. 'As a result, she and her crew have been excluded from the list of participants in the 2025 Tall Ships Races. 'Let us be absolutely clear: TS Shtandart is not a Russian ship. 'She does not fly the Russian flag. She is registered under the flag of the Cook Islands. She is owned by a Finnish citizen, operated by a German company and crewed by an international team. The magnificent three-mastered schooner Malcolm Miller has arrived in Aberdeen! And guess? Only 3 days to go! ⚓️⛵️#tallshipsaberdeen #tsr2025 — Tall Ships Aberdeen (@tallshipsabdn) July 16, 2025 'She has not visited Russia for more than 15 years and is neither owned, operated, nor funded – directly or indirectly – by any Russian entity or by the Russian Federation. 'Therefore, she does not fall under any categories listed in Article 57A of the UK Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations. 'The only remaining link to Russia is the captain's place of birth. He left the country over a decade ago and has since been a long-term resident and taxpayer in Germany. He has not returned to Russia in many years and has dedicated his life to education and youth development at sea. 'TS Shtandart carries no political message. She is not a threat nor a tool for propaganda. 'She is a floating school, an ambassador of peace, a bridge between generations and nations.' Sail Training International said Aberdeen was not a confirmed stop for the ship and Shtandart's captain, Vladimir Martus, was fully aware of the situation. It said: 'Sail Training International confirms that it received communications from the ports of Aberdeen, Kristiansand and Esbjerg informing us that Shtandart was denied entry into their ports, due to current national and international legislation. 'As a result of this, Sail Training International regrettably cancelled her participation in The Tall Ships Races 2025.'
Western Telegraph
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Tall Ship Races vessels arrive in Aberdeen
The race began in Le Havre in France in early July and the ships sailed round the coast to Dunkirk before travelling on to Aberdeen. They will stay in Scotland until July 22 and the competing ships will then race to Kristiansand in Norway and finally to Esbjerg in Denmark, arriving there in early August. The festival in Aberdeen is expected to attract around 400,000 visits between Saturday and Tuesday. Around 50 ships from around the globe will be berthed at the quaysides, which will host a range of attractions from food and craft stalls to street performers and concerts, while visitors will also be able to board some of the vessels. Events will also take place elsewhere in the city, including an international crew parade on Sunday with more than 1,500 sailors expected to take part, exhibitions, free activities and art installations. 🌊@tallshipsabdn will be Scotland's biggest 2025 event, attracting at least 400,000 visitors! Experience Tall Ships from across the world, each with a rich history and story & enjoy the onshore entertainment. Come for the ships, stay for the adventure! — EventScotland News (@EventScotNews) July 15, 2025 On Tuesday, the ships will depart with a 'parade of sail' along the quayside and beach esplanade. It emerged on Wednesday that tall ship TS Shtandart has been denied entry to the Port of Aberdeen due to current national and international legislation. The captain of the ship was born in Russia and sanctions introduced following the invasion of Ukraine mean the vessel cannot enter a UK port. Shtandart had originally entered to take part in race four between Kristiansand and Esbjerg. The TS Shtandart has released an open letter to the port authorities stating: 'The sail training ship TS Shtandart has been denied entry to the Port of Aberdeen. 'As a result, she and her crew have been excluded from the list of participants in the 2025 Tall Ships Races. 'Let us be absolutely clear: TS Shtandart is not a Russian ship. 'She does not fly the Russian flag. She is registered under the flag of the Cook Islands. She is owned by a Finnish citizen, operated by a German company and crewed by an international team. The magnificent three-mastered schooner Malcolm Miller has arrived in Aberdeen! And guess? Only 3 days to go! ⚓️⛵️#tallshipsaberdeen #tsr2025 — Tall Ships Aberdeen (@tallshipsabdn) July 16, 2025 'She has not visited Russia for more than 15 years and is neither owned, operated, nor funded – directly or indirectly – by any Russian entity or by the Russian Federation. 'Therefore, she does not fall under any categories listed in Article 57A of the UK Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations. 'The only remaining link to Russia is the captain's place of birth. He left the country over a decade ago and has since been a long-term resident and taxpayer in Germany. He has not returned to Russia in many years and has dedicated his life to education and youth development at sea. 'TS Shtandart carries no political message. She is not a threat nor a tool for propaganda. 'She is a floating school, an ambassador of peace, a bridge between generations and nations.' Sail Training International said Aberdeen was not a confirmed stop for the ship and Shtandart's captain, Vladimir Martus, was fully aware of the situation. It said: 'Sail Training International confirms that it received communications from the ports of Aberdeen, Kristiansand and Esbjerg informing us that Shtandart was denied entry into their ports, due to current national and international legislation. 'As a result of this, Sail Training International regrettably cancelled her participation in The Tall Ships Races 2025.'
