Aberdeen welcomed a maritime spectacle like no other this past weekend, as nearly 50 majestic vessels from around the globe graced the harbour for the Tall Ships Races 2025. The largest event staged in the city in a generation.
Spanning four vibrant days from Saturday to Tuesday, organisers confirmed the event drew over 400,000 visits to Port of Aberdeen, with thousands more lining the coast from Footdee to the beach and across the bay to take in the impressive Parade of Sail.
Despite initial forecasts suggesting a gloomy weekend, the weather proved kinder than expected. While weeks of summer sun had set a high bar, the weekend itself remained mostly dry during the day and comfortably warm, offering excellent conditions for both visitors and crews alike.
Aberdeen Business News was on the ground throughout the event and witnessed first-hand the city’s extraordinary energy. From the busy quayside to the bustling city centre, streets were alive with locals and tourists enjoying the unique atmosphere. Businesses, restaurants and cafés reported surging footfall, and the mood across the city was one of pride, celebration and genuine hospitality.
Among the many international crews docked in the Granite City was the B.A.P. Union, a Peruvian tall ship that made its debut in Aberdeen. Midshipman André Zapata, speaking to Aberdeen Business News, said: “It’s my first time in Aberdeen and I’ve been amazed by the people, the businesses and the atmosphere. There’s a real sense of community here and a welcoming spirit that made it easy to meet so many kind visitors.”
Zapata added: “Back home in Peru, I’d tell people that Scotland has the loveliest people and I’ve enjoyed the whisky too! I would definitely encourage others to come visit.”
The sentiment was echoed by Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, who praised the event’s impact: “It created such a fantastic sense of vibrancy and excitement in the city that everyone who enjoyed it will never forget. The Tall Ships brought a major economic boost and underlined just how much there is to experience in our city centre.”
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Food and drink were a true highlight of the Tall Ships weekend, with a wide variety of vendors offering everything from street food favourites to sweet treats. One standout was A & Z Delicious Donuts, who have been serving up indulgent doughnuts in Keith since 2009. Our reporter was gifted a cinnamon sugar doughnut by the friendly team — a melt-in-the-mouth delight that was every bit as warm as the welcome.
Meanwhile, The Oven Pizzeria, based in Fife, drew in queues with their spectacular wood-fired pizzas. Served straight from a traditional 900°C oven inside their mobile van, the artisan pizzas impressed with their rich flavour, crisp base, and quality ingredients imported direct from Italy. Their presence brought a true taste of Naples to the quayside and proved that pizza is, indeed, always a good idea. These vendors were just a few of the many that helped fuel the crowds and added to the vibrant festival atmosphere across the port.
The four-day festival featured a packed programme of entertainment, including sell-out concerts by Deacon Blue, Tide Lines, Calum Bowie and Kaiser Chiefs, alongside Curated on the Quayside markets, street food, family zones and the ever-popular Discovery Zone at the Castlegate. Crowds also enjoyed the return of the Red Arrows, who soared over the harbour in a stunning aerial display.
(Credit: Union Media)
Councillor Martin Greig, chair of the organising committee, described the festival as “a marvellous, uplifting experience” that was “truly inclusive for all ages and abilities.” He added: “Our city opened itself up to the world and has confirmed our identity as a good-natured, outward-looking community.”
Port of Aberdeen’s chief executive, Bob Sanguinetti DL, described the weekend as one of the proudest moments of his career: “Seeing our harbour come alive with these majestic vessels was genuinely moving. This event reignited our maritime legacy for a new generation.”
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The event’s long-lasting value will now be assessed in terms of its economic and cultural legacy, but the positive impact has already been widely felt across the city.
First Minister John Swinney, who visited on the final day, summed up the mood: “Aberdeen has built a strong reputation as a globally recognised event hub that boosts the local economy, community pride and international connections.”
(Credit: Union Media)
With the Tall Ships now en route to Kristiansand in Norway for the next leg of their race, the legacy of their visit to Aberdeen is clear… There is a renewed confidence in the city’s future, stronger community ties, and unforgettable memories for residents and visitors alike.
