Tall Ships prepare for their first race

THE Tall Ships gathered in Greenock yesterday for the first race of some of the world's most impressive vessels for a decade.

The ships welcomed families yesterday as part of the four-day event along the James Watt Dock and quaysides.

Last night, Scots pop legend Lulu was due to entertain visitors on the main stage at Inchgreen, ahead of a performance by The Magic Numbers and X-Factor contestant Gamu today.

The crew of the vessels will also parade through the streets this afternoon.

A fireworks spectacular will then see tens of thousands of charges set off from the Gravel embankment following a performance by Deacon Blue tomorrow night.

The Red Arrows will conduct a flypast at around 11.30am on Tuesday, shortly before the 57 vessels are due to leave Greenock for Lerwick at 1pm. The ships will then all hoist their sails together as they begin their cruise up the coast to Lerwick.

The last time the Tall Ships race came to Scottish waters in 1999 more than 800,000 people visited the site in Greenock over four days.

Vessels which have put into Greenock represent 14 nations and more than 1,800 crew members have been working to make them ready for visitors.

David Wilson, chairman of Sail Inverclyde, said ahead of the ships' arrival yesterday: "You can really feel the excitement in the air now for the arrival of the Tall Ships.

"We have been working tirelessly to ensure that there is plenty to see and do across all four days."

Thousands of visitors crowded the refurbished wharf yesterday to get a glimpse of the huge variety of vessels docked there for the weekend's events.

The James Watt Dock is being redeveloped at a cost of 180 million and is expected to draw in many more events like the Tall Ship Race.

At the heart of the development stands the 120-year-old landmark Sugar Warehouse, Scotland's largest cast iron and brick industrial building, which has been on the Buildings at Risk Register since 1995.

Race director of Sail Training International David Wilson added: "Scotland hosted a fantastic event in 1999 and we are delighted to be back."

Mike Cantlay, chairman of EventScotland and VisitScotland, said the major event was a chance to showcase the new multi-million docks and Scotland as a summer destination.

He said: "Bringing the Tall Ships Races to Scotland is a great coup for our country and we are delighted to fund this event and support it with our international and UK marketing activity.

"In the year of Active Scotland this event provides a spectacular showcase of Scotland's wonderful coastline."