Latest news with #TallShips
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Scotsman
Edinburgh is going nowhere under Labour
Conservative councillor Neil Cuthbert Aberdeen just hosted the Tall Ships race, welcoming 400,000 visitors to Scotland's biggest tourism event this year. The major Union Square shopping centre broke footfall records with over 140,000 visitors during the weekend. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Did these massive crowds cause traffic chaos? Actually, no. Traffic Scotland reported drivers were 'getting a good run on the A90, A96 and the AWPR this afternoon' on Sunday. This contrasts sharply with Edinburgh, where large-scale events like Murrayfield concerts regularly cause bypass gridlock. The difference is simple: the north east has invested in proper trunk road infrastructure, particularly the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR). The results speak for themselves. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon noted in 2019 that the AWPR shifted vehicles away from nose-to-tail traffic, reducing emissions and improving air quality for around 75,000 homes while creating better conditions for pedestrians and cyclists. You might expect Edinburgh's politicians to learn from this success. Think again. An artist's impression of the proposed Sheriffhall roundabout flyover At June's Transport Committee, I proposed a comprehensive motion requesting traffic impact assessment for the City Mobility Plan's proposed road closures. The A720 bypass already handles over 120,000 vehicles daily beyond capacity, with frequent congestion at key junctions. Recently both East Lothian and Midlothian councils have written to the Scottish Government expressing frustration over delays to the Sheriffhall roundabout improvements. My motion sought proper analysis of how city centre road closures planned by the council might worsen A720 congestion, especially during major events. Recent examples like Robbie Williams' concert at Murrayfield in May demonstrated the bypass's vulnerability to traffic displacement. I requested investigation of mitigation measures, enhanced public transport options and coordination with the Scottish Government on this trunk road responsibility. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The response? Labour's Convener moved to simply ignore the mounting evidence, with the Liberal Democrats, SNP and Greens ganging up to pretend these road problems don't exist. No evidence-based assessment. No consideration of network resilience. No coordination with neighbouring councils. Just 'do nothing'. This coalition of inaction leaves Edinburgh commuters facing daily chaos with no hope of improvement. While Aberdeen demonstrates how proper road investment creates benefits for everyone – drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike – Edinburgh's politicians prefer ideological posturing over practical solutions. Labour has run out of ideas for Edinburgh. Their approach of ignoring problems while they worsen shows complete indifference to residents' daily struggles. When these parties next seek your vote, perhaps the response should be 'No Action' in return.
STV News
5 days ago
- Politics
- STV News
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.' 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
The National
22-07-2025
- Business
- The National
Tall Ships celebration attracts 400,000 visitors to Aberdeen
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. READ MORE: Edinburgh gift shop accused of tax evasion following UK-wide probe 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. (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) 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. (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) 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.'
BBC News
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Tall Ships Aberdeen: Crews say fond farewell to Granite City
Crews have been saying a fond farewell to Aberdeen after the spectacular Tall Ships event in the city attracted hundreds of thousands of event - described as Scotland's biggest tourist event this year - began on Saturday, featuring almost 50 majestic vessels from around the ships left on Tuesday with many excited new, young crew members for the onward journey to believe there may have been at least 400,000 people at the Tall Ships - and hope the event can return in the "not too distant" future. The long weekend of celebrations in Aberdeen included a display by the Red Arrows on Monday night. Thousands of people witnessed the mid-air spectacular, despite some views being clouded by fog. However the sun came out for the final day, as visitors returned to wave the ships were cries of "Bon Voyage" and "hip hip hooray" from the crowds. The races are designed to encourage international friendship and training for young new crew members joined the boats for the next leg of the Tall Ships races over to them were Aberdeen girls Mya , Katherine, Mia, who are all 15, and 16-year-old are on board the Netherlands tall ship Eendracht for nine days, with mentor Toby Maddams from Peterhead."I'm really looking forward to sailing for the first time," Mya told BBC Scotland News on the deck, before departing."It's a really good new experience."Freya said: "I am looking forward to going to Norway with my new friends, it should be fun. This is my first time sailing. Everyone has been so nice on the boat."I'm nervous about sleeping, and sea-sickness."They joked that mentor Toby would be their "boat mum". 'It has been awe-inspiring' Adrian Watson from Aberdeen Inspired - a business organisation which promotes investment in the city centre - said the Tall Ships event had exceeded all expectations."To see hundreds of thousands descend upon our wonderful city has been so impressive ," he told the BBC's Good Morning Scotland."We feel confident that we will be on or around 400,000-plus."It has been awe-inspiring, and it's meant so much to the people of Aberdeen." He said the major Union Square shopping centre had broken its footfall records at the footfall numbers on Saturday were 78,685 and on Sunday it was 61,682."Most large towns and cities are going through a very difficult time - this has been such a success," Mr Watson said."We'd be very keen to see them come back." Deacon Blue had kicked off the event on Friday night with a harbourside main Tall Ships event then opened to the public on Saturday morning, followed a Ministry of Sound classical concert in the saw crews parade through the streets, and Monday featured a Kaiser Chiefs gig at night. Tall Ships Aberdeen was billed as Europe's largest free family event, with almost 50 ships taking 2,000 international crew members attended from as far afield as Uruguay and had previously hosted the prestigious event in 1991 and 1997.
STV News
20-07-2025
- STV News
Meet the trainees keeping the history of Tall Ships alive at festival
Celebrations in Aberdeen are continuing as the Tall Ships Races brings in even more visitors to the city to see a stunning array of some 50 vessels on the quayside. Things may have gotten off to a rather thundery start on Sunday, with lightning streaking across the skies as a weather warning remained in place, but it didn't deter the thousands arriving in the Granite City to admire the tall ships. But behind the colourful spectacle is an international mission to keep the history of tall ships alive, by encouraging young people to take part. STV News For the Pogoria, named after a lake in Poland, it takes a crew of 51 to man the 46-metre-long boat. Run by the Polish Maritime Academy, her masts stand at an impressive 30 metres. And with 13 sails hoisted across its three masts, its a tall order for the trainees on board – but an opportunity they are relishing. Hania Piatrzkiewicz explained: 'I sailed two times on the Baltic Sea and it was incredible experience, so I wanted to try something more demanding. So, I chose to go on the Tall Ship Races and it happened to be on Pogoria. So I'm really glad that I made that decision and ended up here.' STV News Mateusz Doniec added: 'This was my first time on sea. Before I only got my sailing license and sailed with my parents on some lakes in Poland, but it wasn't really anything crazy. So this was the first time experience for me. 'I think it was really life changing because I want to keep doing that. I want to pursue that.' A vessel from closer to home, the Swan, is celebrating her 125th birthday this year. And while the ship, from Shetland, isn't the oldest at Tall Ships, she still has an interesting history. Some ten trainees are part of the 15-person crew, who are keeping things ship-shape. Ellie, the skipper of the Swan, told STV News: 'She was originally built as a herring drifter. And every night they would go out to the fishing grounds. They would then drop the nets, drop the sails, drop the mast all the way down, and go to sleep. Stay drifting all night. 'The next morning, sails would come back up again, fish back on board, and they would race back to port as quick as they could to try for the fish not to go off.' STV News The Tall Ships Festival isn't just about getting people into sailing or offering them a new experience – it's about developing life skills as well. Vanessa Mori from Sail Training International explains: 'It is a life changing experience for most of the people taking part. It gives them the dream that they can do whatever they put their mind to.' A parade through the city centre ended the second day of the Tall Ships Races and while it was a damp affair, it certainly didn't dampen spirits of those taking part. On Monday, a new cohort of young sailors will arrive onboard the ships for the next leg of the race to Norway, setting sail on Tuesday. 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
