A warm welcome for John Lang, who has been appointed Chief Liaison Officer for The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025. Image - Norman Adams/Aberdeen City Council
The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen team has been strengthened with the appointment of John Lang as Chief Liaison Officer (CLO), an essential role in the smooth running of Europe’s largest free family event.
The milestone move has been welcomed by Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, which is working with Aberdeen City Council and the Port of Aberdeen to bring the prestigious world-class event to the Granite City for the first in nearly 30 years from July 19-22, 2025.
It is expected to draw up to 60 Tall Ships from across the globe to the city as well as attract 400,000 visits.
With over 35 years of experience working for a leading energy operator, John is responsible in this voluntary role for training and managing the team of 100 Volunteer Liaison Officers and will support the coordination, planning and preparation of ship requirements at Port of Aberdeen.
Two new Deputy Liaison Officers - Laura Lyth and James Druce – have also been appointed to support John.
Volunteer Liaison Officers are an important interface between the visiting ships, their crew, young trainees and the overall event with activities provided for them. Each vessel in the Tall Ships fleet will be allocated one or two Liaison Officers to look after the needs of the crew and young trainees while they are in port.
The Tall Ships are returning to Aberdeen for the first time in nearly 30 years and are expected to generate 400,000 visits. Image - Aberdeen City Council
Tall Ships Project Manager Emma Wadee said: “We are delighted by the high calibre of applicants for these roles, especially as they involve people giving up their own time to make this event a success.
“John has an impressive level of experience, and we appreciated his evident ability to lead and motivate others. The Chief Liaison Officer is a key role so it’s important we have the right person in place.
“With Laura and James there to support him, the team is really coming together to make the Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 an unforgettable experience.”
Adrian Watson, CEO, Aberdeen Inspired, said: “We thank John for signing up for this key role, bringing a wealth of experience and skills to the post. We are confident John and his team will give a warm welcome to the crews of these fantastic vessels, helping to guide them around the city centre and make the most of their time in Aberdeen.
Councillor Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council’s culture spokesman, said: “We are delighted to welcome John to our Tall Ships 2025 team. This is a significant appointment as the Chief Liaison Officer will play a crucial role in delivering a successful event with the 100 Volunteer Liaison Officers at his disposal.”
Bob Sanguinetti, CEO, Port of Aberdeen, said: “We know John well from his time as a key port user and we’re delighted to see him appointed as Chief Liaison Officer. Volunteers are fundamental to the success of The Tall Ships Races and leadership from people like John will help ensure the safe and successful delivery of Scotland’s biggest event in 2025.”
The spectacular Tall Ships Races - which will include a riot of dockside entertainment - will be held in Aberdeen in July next year. Image - Aberdeeen City Council
Individuals who want to volunteer can register their interest online here with the official volunteer programme open for applications for The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 next month. Applications will be open to people aged 16 or older by 1 July 2025 who are available for approximately three shifts between 19 and 22 July.
The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 is being staged in partnership with Sail Training International, and supported by many organisations from across the North-east.
The world-renowned, sailing extravaganza also offers life-changing experiences for 100 young local people who will be recruited as Sail Trainees to sail aboard a Tall Ship from Dunkirk, France to Aberdeen, or from Aberdeen to Kristiansand, Norway.
You can find out more about The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 here.