A cross-party group of North East MPs and MSPs gathered today (17 April) to show their support for The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025, which returns to the city from 19 to 22 July for the first time in 28 years.
The political briefing was held at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum to share the latest news and updates ahead of the city’s biggest event in a generation. Key highlights included:
• Quayside Concerts are almost sold out
• Red Arrows have been confirmed
• 243 young people living in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire will sail aboard a Tall Ship this summer
• 46 ships confirmed to date - including BAP Union from Peru - with more expected by the 1 May deadline
• Crew parade route confirmed: starting at Union Terrace and finishing at Peterson Seabase on Regent Quay
The Tall Ships Local Organising Committee and Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Christian Allard were joined at the event by Stephen Flynn MP, Andrew Bowie MP, Kirsty Blackman MP. Liam Kerr MSP and Kevin Stewart MSP.
A Tall Ships Aberdeen spokesperson said: “We welcomed the opportunity to discuss not only share how fantastic the Tall Ships Races will be, but also to highlight the lasting legacy it can create for the city. There was excellent engagement, plenty of questions, and a shared enthusiasm and we’ve asked our North East MPs and MSPs to help raise the profile of the event at both Scottish and UK levels.”
Speaking after the event, Kirsty Blackman MP, said: “I remember when the Tall Ships came to Aberdeen in the 90s - I loved how busy it was, the hustle and bustle of people in the city and on the quayside watching these spectacular ships. There will be something for everyone when the event returns this July – ships, food, drink, concerts, stuff for the kids, funfair and much more. There’s not been something to compare to it for a generation.”
