The Tall Ships Short Story art trail is set to create a sea of imagination as a dozen stunning nautically-themed sculptures take pride of place in Aberdeen as part of The BookBench Trail being staged by Clan Cancer Support.
The 12 pieces – all shaped like an open book - range from a tribute to Scotland’s pirates to a seascape of Aberdeen Harbour, from a seafarer’s map of the Tall Ships Races route, to a quirky design with a touch of “Bedknobs and Broomsticks”.
And the artists taking part have spoken of their delight at their work being enjoyed by the public during the Tall Ships Races Aberdeen – expected to attract 400,000 visits - and beyond, while raising vital funds for Clan Cancer Support.
The Tall Ships Short Story Trail is a result of a partnership between the charity and the organisers of The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen, which will burst into life from July 19 to 22. The trail project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
It is a strand of Clan’s BookBench Trail which sees these unique sculptures – designed to seat two adults –decorated by artists placed at 41 locations across the north-east, Moray, Orkney and Shetland from now until 25 August.
The 12 Tall Ships works will be at iconic Aberdeen locations including the Beach Ballroom, Fittie, Aberdeen Arts Centre, Aberdeen Art Gallery, and the St Nicholas Centre.
Artist Hannah Jayne Lewin’s work – Buccanneer’s Bench - will be at Aberdeen Sports Village and is inspired by Scotland’s connections with pirates, such as the infamous William Kidd.
Hannah said: “My colourful bench features a pirate shipwreck at the bottom of the sea which has become home to all kinds of ocean creatures like fish, crabs and even an octopus. Can you spot the hidden coins and the captain’s hook?
“I wanted to be involved in the BookBench Trail because I love to spread joy and happiness to people through my colourful artwork, all while helping to raise money to support people going through a difficult time.”
Meanwhile, Lena Kibbler – whose work Have A Rest – will be at the Nigg Bay Golf Club car park, said her contribution resembles a bed so it would be comfortable for people resting on it.
Lena said: “The pattern on the duvet and pillows is of shells and seaweed and other life under the sea adorns the backboard of the bed. A Touch of the Bedknobs and Broomsticks!
“As with many others, I have seen friends and relatives subjected to cancer and a charity that can give help in so many ways makes it easy to support.”
Fiona Fernie, CEO of Clan Cancer Support, added: “The Tall Ships Short Story is a very special addition to The BookBench Trail and we’re proud to be bringing this immersive and family friendly activity to what we’re sure will be a momentous event for Aberdeen.
“We hope visitors to The Tall Ships enjoy exploring the unique BookBench designs and appreciate the impact the project will have in helping Clan support more local people who are impacted by a cancer diagnosis.”
The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 organisers have said they are thrilled to have so many artists creating the beautiful BookBenches to pay homage to the Tall Ships while boosting the work of Clan.
Councillor Martin Greig, Chair of the Aberdeen Tall Ships committee, said: “Clan’s sculpture trail is a wonderful creative addition to the Tall Ships spectacle which is almost upon us. There is so much to look forward to from markets to music, parades to fun funfairs and of course, the ships and crews themselves.
“The wonderful sculptures will not only enhance the festival but will also raise funds for a great cause which all the Tall Ships partners are delighted to support.
“I would like to thank Clan for their imaginative and supportive involvement which adds so much to the event.”
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “Now The Tall Ships Short Story Trail is in place, you can see the sheer talent and imagination that has gone into creating these wonderful works.
“It can only add to the excitement and sense of wonder that the arrival of The Ships Races Aberdeen has been building ahead of the beautiful vessels dropping anchor next month.
“The trail is also an ideal way to attract people into the city centre, not just to enjoy them over the Tall Ships weekend but right the way through summer. That increased footfall will be a boon to city centre businesses and attractions and another chapter in the ongoing story of Aberdeen’s regeneration.”
Bob Sanguinetti, CEO of Port of Aberdeen, said: “The Tall Ships Short Story Trail is a fantastic way to bring the spirit of the races into the heart of the city. It captures the sense of adventure and creativity that makes this event so special. It’s also a great showcase for local artistic talent and a reminder of Aberdeen’s rich maritime heritage. We’re proud to support an initiative that raises awareness and funds for CLAN’s vital work.”
The full roster of sculptures for The Tall Ships Short Story is:
- Aberdeen Science Centre: She Sells Sea Shells by Catriona MacKenzie
- Beach Ballroom: The Perfect Gateway by Charlotte Brayley
- Beach – Innoflate: On the Crest Of A Wave by Ewen Milne
- Fittie, beside Silver Darling: Sails and Stories by Ann Falconer
- Nigg Bay Golf Club: Have A Rest by Lena Kibber
- Aberdeen Sports Village: Buccaneer’s Bench by Hannah Jayne Lewin
- Aberdeen Arts Centre: Dream by Fiona Chance
- Aberdeen Art Gallery: These Walls Are Alive With Stories by Heather Millar
- St Nicholas Centre, rainbow steps by former M&S: You’ve Got A Friend In Sea by Emma McHardy
- Bon Accord Square: Magic of Unknown by Trista Yen
- Bon Accord Park: Adrift by Gail Robertson
- University of Aberdeen Campus: Journey Awaits by Rachael and Phillipa Corcutt
Following the completion of The BookBench Trail, one of the specially designed sculptures from The Tall Ships Short Story will be auctioned off in aid of Clan Cancer Support. The remaining sculptures will return with new stories for the Festival of the Sea, organised by Aberdeen City Council, in 2026.
For more information on Clan Support’s BookBench Trail visit https://www.clancancersupport.org/the-book-bench-trail/.
For more information on The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 visit www.tallshipsaberdeen.com
