More than 100,000 turn out for Tall Ships

Leaving Inverclyde yesterday, the ships sailed down the River Clyde in the traditional Parade of Sail, heading to Lerwick in Shetland for the next stage of the race.

Organisers estimated that the ships taking part would take a minimum of 90 minutes to pass by any point. The occasion was marked by a Red Arrows fly-past.

Tall Ships Races has been held every year since 1956 and sees hundreds of young crews take to the seas in single-hulled ships.

The other stops are Stavanger, Norway, and Halmstad, Sweden.

Train operator ScotRail said it recorded 50,000 passenger journeys to and from the event since Saturday morning.

It put on extra weekend trains so people could get to see the ships in Greenock for the first time in 12 years.

Tall Ships Races is organised by the Sail Training International charity, which works with the remaining tall ships in service. This year, nearly 7,000 trainees are taking part in the race series.

Councillor David Wilson, who chairs Sail Inverclyde, said: "This is a truly spectacular way to end a terrific event.

"We have been delighted to host the Tall Ships here in Greenock again and are pleased with the positive feedback we have received from crew, locals and visitors alike.

"The sunny weather has attracted huge numbers to the event site and we anticipate that more than 750,000 people will have seen the Tall Ships over their four-day visit.

"We want to thank all the residents of Greenock for welcoming the crews and visitors alike."

A fireworks display and a performance by Deacon Blue marked the culmination of celebrations on Monday.

Singer Lulu had also entertained the crowds on Saturday night.