Tall Ships are on their way…

Orkney is now expecting over 24 Tall Ships – half those which have just left Greenock – to visit the county, between July 15 and 19, on a non-competitive Cruise in Company leg between Greenock and Lerwick, as part of The Tall Ships Races 2011.

OIC convener, Councillor Stephen Hagan, said: “The number of vessels slated to visit Orkney is a huge achievement for our small community – we have attracted more Tall Ships than any other Cruise in Company host port for a decade.

“From a population of just 20,000 we have thirty local trainees taking part in the races – and that’s really helped encourage the vessels taking part in this prestigious international event to make the detour to Orkney.

“The council and local community have worked hard to come up with a wide range of events – including some Tall Ships firsts not provided by any port before such as on board parties, port to port sailings for the public and corporate hospitality events at sail – to entice vessels and crews into our two host ports, Kirkwall and Stromness.

“We’re looking forward now to a great family-focused long weekend of festivities, both shoreside and on the water.”

More information about the Tall Ships visit to Orkney is available from the OIC website and Orkney Harbours.

For more details of road and car park closures during the visit, click here.