Aberdeen Feels Electric as The Tall Ships Arrive
Crowds gather as music, markets, and sea air fill the city as sails tower into the sky.
The Tall Ships have docked in Aberdeen, and the city is buzzing. Despite the quays looking rain-slicked, the public is turning out in force. The rain storms may roll in, but we Aberdonians hold fast, despite a few looking worse for wear after last night’s Quayside Concert with Deacon Blue.
It’s the kind of event that Aberdeen does so well. Attracting families with buggies, teens in waterproofs, old friends meeting by the harbour railings. A shared sense of shared occasion unfolding in the middle of town. Folk stopping to watch the ships and take it all in.
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Join Open Road for a raft of Festival of the Sea events, including The Sea Salt Shore, an evening of sea songs, shanties and storytelling from Joss Camerin, steeped in coastal tradition.
There’s also plenty for families, including a rockpooling morning at Aberdeen beach with the Countryside Ranger and magical maritime tales from storyteller Andy Cannon.
There’s a full programme of music throughout the day and into the evening, with Scottish trad to afrobeats and everything in between taking to the stage. Highlights include Iona Fife, Jackill, Chef and the Jerry Jablonski Band. But there is a whole raft of new acts, local choirs and youth bands to enjoy too.
Local traders are out in force across the city and down by the harbour. Cafés are open later, stalls are busy with handmade goods and street food, and shop windows are full of nautical nods. It’s a chance to draw in curious visitors and remind locals what’s already here. Stuart McPhee from Dough & Co told me they are delighted with the crowds. the only issue they are facing today is the logistics of restocking.
Stuart McPhee from Dough & Co brings sweet energy to the stalls, while Alan Booth revisits the James Cook and reflects on a life-changing voyage nearly 30 years on | Photos by Chris Sansbury / POST
The Tall Ships Races themselves happen because of Sail Training International’s commitment to youth development. Their stop in the city gives fully funded, life-changing opportunities to many of our young people. It’s an amazing way to discover hidden talents and develop self-confidence.
That legacy runs long. I joined Alan Booth today as he spoke to the current crew of the James Cook. He sailed with their predecessors in the Tall Ships back in 1991. His experiences made a huge difference to his adult life, shaping his confidence, friendships, and sense of direction. Watching him pass that energy on felt like the clearest example of what these ships can leave behind.
Volunteers bring warmth, help and good humour to the harbour throughout the busy weekend crowds | Photo by Chris Sansbury / POST
An army of 300 volunteers is powering Aberdeen’s weekend. They’ve spent weeks preparing, from crew liaison to visitor experience, shoreside hosting to hospitality. Everyone I’ve met has been welcoming and smiling—a real credit to the city.
For now, the harbour feels alive in a way it hasn’t for years. There’s music drifting on the wind, a mix of languages on the street, and the creak of ships settling into port. Whether you’re here for the spectacle or just soaking up the atmosphere, it’s a good weekend to be in Aberdeen.
