Safety & Security

Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities for The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025.

This once-in-a-generation event has involved more than two years of meticulous planning to ensure a secure and welcoming environment for everyone.

We're working closely with Police Scotland and our highly experienced security contractor, renowned for their expertise in managing large-scale events. This strong partnership ensures a coordinated and robust approach to safeguarding all visitors.

Our collaborative security approach

Extensive risk assessments and emergency plans have been developed. Our security practices include:

working closely with partners, including Police Scotland, to co-ordinate and manage the event
24/7 on-site security
continuous patrols
monitored CCTV
vehicle mitigation barriers
stewarding and staff stationed at various locations across the event site, including at all entry/exit points, and across the city

All customer-facing staff are trained in protective security, counter-terrorism and emergency response.

Dedicated on-site assistance

Our stewards, volunteers and police officers will be there throughout the event, offering help with directions, security concerns or anything else you might need.

Even if you're familiar with Aberdeen, getting around will be different during the four days of the event, with impassable barriers in many locations. If you get stuck navigating the event, just ask a steward; they can direct you to the nearest managed crossing point. They'll also be actively looking out for anyone who might need assistance, so don't be surprised if they pop up to say hello!

Please remain vigilant: if you see anything that concerns you, report it immediately to a steward, any member of staff or police officer or call Police Scotland on 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.

We continuously review our security measures, both visible and discreet, all aimed at keeping you safe. Your patience and support with our safety procedures are greatly appreciated.

Every steward can communicate instantly with other teams, the Event Control Centre and the police.

Project Servator

Project Servator is a policing tactic that aims to reassure the public. It targets criminal activity, including terrorism.

It involves officers specially trained to spot signs that someone may be gathering information to help them plan a crime.

Highly visible Project Servator deployments will form an important part of the policing support for Tall Ships Races.

Deployments can happen at any time, anywhere. They are made up of specially trained uniformed and plain clothes officers and can involve a wide range of other specialist police resources such as police dogs and horses.

Police officers will speak to people and local businesses to let them know what they are doing. They will remind them to be vigilant, trust their instincts and report any suspicious or unusual behaviour.

For more information, visit the Police Scotland website.
For the measures we’re taking to guard your online security, see our privacy policy here.

Prohibited items

The following items will not be permitted into the event site, subject to stated exceptions:

Bags larger than A3 (40cm x 32cm)
All bags, no matter the size, will be searched prior to entry and there is no bag drop facility.
Exception(s): Bags required to carry medical or childcare items that will be required during the event.
Knives or any other sharp objects, weapons, dangerous or hazardous items
Possession of such items may constitute a criminal offence and, if found, will be reported to Police Scotland.
Drinks including alcohol (whether in glass, plastic bottles or cans)
Exception(s): An empty reusable water bottle (max: 500ml) or bottles / toddler cups that will be required by babies and young children during the event.
Glass and metal containers
Fireworks, flares, smoke bombs or other pyrotechnic item
Possession of such items may constitute a criminal offence and, if found, will be reported to Police Scotland.
Banners or flags which contain slogans considered to be offensive or abusive
This includes statements or logos that may be considered racist, homophobic, political or discriminatory, as determined by The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen.
Any flag or banner, irrelevant of content, larger than 12in x 16in (30cm x 41cm) with poles longer than 1m in length, or thicker than 1in (2.5cm) will not be permitted into the event site.
Air horns, balloons, party poppers and silly string
Animals other than registered guide/assistance dogs
If it is your intention to bring an assistance dog to the event, please contact us. This will allow us to provide the best possible experience during your visit to the festival.
Drones
Bicycles and skateboards
Any other items that we deem to pose a risk of injury or annoyance to other visitors

Rules of entry

Children under the age of 14 years old must be accompanied by an adult
No alcohol to be brought onto the event site
No glass to be brought onto the event site
No dogs
No cycling (authorised cycles only)
Illegal substances will not be permitted
Zero tolerance on abuse to our event workforce
The organisers have the right to refuse access or remove patrons who do not comply with the conditions of entry
You agree that photographs and filming will take place across the event site

Water safety

RNLI - Float to Live

Water Safety is at the core of RNLI with education across all ages available to allow everyone to be safe and have fun on or in the water.

RNLI flagship campaign 'Float to Live' has over 50 successful case studies of how people have used the technique to either self rescue or support themselves long enough to be rescued when they have found themselves unexpectedly in a life threatening situation in the water. The actions in the poster provide everyone with a technique to improve their survival.

Download Float To Live Poster

RNLI - Be Safe Have Fun

In addition to Float to Live, RNLI Water Safety messaging is centred around the four key messages of Stop and Think, Stay Together, Float, and Call 999.

Following this guide provides everyone the opportunity to Be Safe and Have Fun at or in the water, and also make the correct decisions when they have to respond when they or there are in danger and require rescue.

Download Be Safe Have Fun Poster