Aberdeen is set to welcome a truly special guest to its shores as part of the once-in-a-generation Tall Ships Aberdeen Races event.
The magnificent three-masted schooner Malcolm Miller, a vessel deeply rooted in the city's maritime history, will make a highly anticipated homecoming nearly 60 years after her launch from the John Lewis & Sons shipyard.
Her journey from Limassol in Cyprus began in mid-May and marks the start of an emotional reunion for both the ship and the many lives she has touched.
Festival feel
While no longer a dedicated sail training vessel, Malcolm Miller will participate as a “Festival Ship”, a special dispensation granted by Sail Training International, acknowledging her unique connection to Aberdeen.
The Malcolm Miller was built in 1967, with half of her construction cost generously donated by Sir James Miller, a former Lord Mayor of London and Lord Provost of Edinburgh, in memory of his son Malcolm.
Alongside her sister ship Sir Winston Churchill, she served for many years as a sail training ship for the Sail Training Association (now the Tall Ships Youth Trust), inspiring countless young people to discover the sea.
The family now owns the Malcolm Miller expressed the profound significance of this visit.
“The vessel’s homecoming to Aberdeen is both historically and emotionally significant,” a representative said.
“We are excited for her reunion with the city which brought her into existence nearly 60 years ago as guests of Sail Training International, which continues to inspire new generations of sailors.”
Local heroes
This sentiment is echoed by those who have a personal connection to the vessel.
Aberdonian Pete Buchan was part of the ship’s maiden voyage and along with Doug Cameron was instrumental in getting the Malcolm Miller to return to Aberdeen. Doug worked in the design office at John Lewis & Sons shipyard and contributed to many of Malcolm Miller's construction drawings.
“The crew is delighted to be sailing to Aberdeen for the Tall Ships event as a Festival Ship,” said Doug.
“Many young people learned to sail on her since her launch in Aberdeen in 1967. These ‘young’ people appear wherever the Malcolm Miller berths, happy to see her again in her new incarnation.”
For some, the Malcolm Miller's return ignites vivid memories of their own experiences at sea.
Sarah Barrett, a volunteer ship liaison officer at this year’s event, has a long history with the vessel. Inspired by the Tall Ships being in Aberdeen in 1991m she travelled across the Atlantic voyage the following year and sailed on both the Malcolm Miller and Winston Churchill.
It’s not her first shift as ship liaison officer. She was on duty in 1997, the last time the Tall Ships were in Aberdeen, where she volunteered and looked after the crew … on the Malcolm Miller!
Rosie Hay, another volunteer ship liaison officer this year, also benefited from a place on the Malcolm Miller as a teenager when it docked in Aberdeen in the 1980s.
She vividly recalls the challenges and triumphs: “I can still remember having to steel myself to climb the masts on the first day, as we ‘manned the rigging’ while departing Aberdeen port.
“On the voyage, the tiredness of the dawn watch and overcoming seasickness contrasted markedly with the excitement of swimming and the camaraderie of our summer-evening campfire on a remote Norwegian island.”
Rich history
The Malcolm Miller has a rich and varied history since her sail training days. After being sold in 2001 and renamed Helena C, she underwent a rebuild and was redelivered as a private pleasure ship, crossing the Atlantic twice.
Following a period of damage and refit, she was relaunched in 2014 and now operates as a schooner under her original name.
“The quality of the refit of the vessel is magnificent with beautiful teak panelling, oak decks and handsome new companionways,” said Doug.
“Gone are the rows of hammock hooks in the forward accommodation, now replaced by comfortable, well-appointed cabins and a completely new deckhouse.
“From the quayside, the 'bones' of her are evident, the hull shape rising to the bow and bowsprit are just beautiful. These lines are timeless and a testament to the vision of the original design by Camper & Nicholson, noted yacht designers for more than 200 years.”
The Malcolm Miller's arrival next month will be a powerful testament to Aberdeen's enduring shipbuilding legacy and the continuing spirit of adventure that Tall Ships inspire.
Her homecoming is more than just a visit: it's a celebration of history, community and the timeless allure of the open sea.
