The Power of Volunteering

Behind the spectacular vessels and festivities is a dedicated team of over 300 volunteers whose efforts will be essential in bringing the event to life.

From Ship Liaison Officers, Environmental Rangers, Media Assistants to even Dorry the Dolphin mascot, volunteers will be at the heart of the Tall Ships – standing as a testament to the power of volunteering in Aberdeen.

Gayle Thomson, Employer Engagement Adviser at the University of Aberdeen is playing an integral role in the run-up of the festival as part of their Volunteer Group.

She has covered a variety of voluntary roles so far including the recruitment of Sail Trainees, organising promotional Tall Ships stands at events and will soon coordinate the huge team of volunteers over the course of the upcoming festival.

“We simply couldn’t do the festival without the team of volunteers,” Gayle says.

“With a huge range of roles, each one being essential to the event, every volunteer will help ensure things run smoothly.

“It’s their dedication across all areas of the festival that will make it possible. Their contribution is absolutely vital and will have a huge impact on the overall success of the event.”

Supporting from Ship to Shore

Ship Liaison Officer volunteer Kate Findlay shares her excitement surrounding the return of the Tall Ships. With a background at sea, she understands just how valuable local knowledge can be for visiting crews.

“In my volunteer role, I will be liaising between Aberdeen City, the Tall Ships and the crew. I will meet the needs of the crew onboard and help them with any local information, signing up for activities and anything else they require as part of the festival.

“Having worked at sea, it’s so helpful when there is somebody with local knowledge when you first get into port. Having someone on shore who knows the city makes a world of difference. If we, as volunteers, can make their experience the best it can be then that’s what truly matters.”

Kate shares her anticipation for the event, saying: “I’m most excited about seeing the ships sailing into harbour and sailing them out.

“I have worked on ships before and have had some amazing sail aways – that’s something you always remember.

“I think any type of volunteering is really important, that’s why I do it. It’s in my nature to want to help people and I’m really looking forward to playing my part at this years’ festival.”

A Personal Connection to the Sea

Some volunteers will return to the Tall Ships with personal memories and emotional ties. Sarah Barrett first encountered the festival as a spectator in 1991, inspiring her to sail transatlantic aboard the Fryderyk Chopin in 1992.

By 1997, when the Tall Ships were last in Aberdeen, Sarah volunteered as a Ship Liaison Officer assigned to the Malcolm Miller, a vessel she had also sailed on back in 1994.

Sarah now comes full circle as she is ready to volunteer again as a Ship Liaison Officer, reuniting with both historic ships as they dock in Port of Aberdeen.

“There are some really big, spectacular boats coming in,” Sarah says. “For me, it will be a really personal experience. To see both Fryderyk Chopin and Malcolm Miller again will be really special for me.”

“‘First impressions count’ is my motto. As Ship Liaison Officer, it’s about making sure that people feel welcomed into the city and they get that positive experience.”

Sarah shares her aspirations for the festival in leaving a lasting legacy:

“I’m hoping that the next generation are inspired to get involved to sail, volunteer or just be a part of something bigger. There’s a real opportunity to leave a positive impact on our city.”

Putting Aberdeen in the Spotlight

This sentiment is shared by Dylan Henderson, a Visitor Experience Host volunteer who has also brought Aberdeen’s beloved mascot, Dorry the Dolphin, to life in the run-up to the festival.

“I’m looking forward to seeing Aberdeen buzzing,” says Dylan. “It will be an amazing opportunity for the city to shine.”

As a dedicated volunteer in the city across various third sector organisations, Dylan shares how this particular role will be deeply meaningful.

“I feel privileged to be a volunteer and I am so excited to be a part of this years’ festival. As volunteers, we will be vital in making an impact and putting a positive light on Aberdeen.

She also believes the importance of volunteers goes beyond maintenance. “Parks can be abused rubbish left behind, things neglected. But the more local people get invol-ved, the more they feel protective of the space. It really does make a difference.”

Sheila agrees: “Once it belongs to you, you get angry when people make a mess of it. That’s why we start young, get children involved in litter picking and planting. If they respect it early, they’ll grow up to care for it.”

“The Tall Ships will help people open their doors and feel connected again. It’s a chance to show that Aberdeen is ready for the future and I can’t wait to see the impact the festival will have on the city.”

L-R: Sarah Barrett, Ship Liaison Officer, and Dylan Henderson, Visitor Experience Host and Dorry the Dolphin mascot.

A Celebration of Civic Pride

As the Tall Ships quickly approach, the festival organisers, volunteers and attendees are eagerly anticipating this major event and what it means for Aberdeen.

“We have seen big events in the city already this year: the Aberdeen FC Scottish Cup winners parade and Grampian Pride for example,” Gayle says.

“They have shown that people are ready to come out and support our city. The Tall Ships Races will continue that momentum and it’s going to be a huge buzz for all of us.”

Kate echoes this, saying: “Aberdeen is a beautiful city. When the sun is shining and the granite glitters, it looks great.

“With the Tall Ships Races taking place, I believe it will make people feel more proud of Aberdeen, giving a boost to the morale of the city.”

The Tall Ships Races will represent Aberdeen at its best, as Sarah shares: “The festival will really lift spirits. It will make people realise there are many great things about the city.

“As volunteers, we’ll be the first faces some people see when they arrive in Aberdeen. That’s a big responsibility but a beautiful opportunity to be a part of and I can’t wait to show off what our city has to offer.”

As the Tall Ships Races return to Aberdeen, they will mark a celebration of maritime heritage, community spirit and local pride.

With thanks to the dedicated team of volunteers, the festival promises to be a vibrant showcase of what makes the city special. From welcoming international crews to inspiring the next generation, the legacy of this event will be felt far beyond the harbour.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this historic event in Aberdeen. To find out more about the festival, and to discover the full programme of events, visit www.tallshipsaberdeen.com

This article originally appeared in the July 2025 edition of ACVO News, our free monthly digital magazine for and from the the third sector in Aberdeen. Read the current and past editions, and sign up to our mailing list, at acvo.org.uk/acvo-news