Online Launch for Shetland Tall Ships Planning
Organisers of the Tall Ships Races visit to Lerwick in 2023 have today launched a new website and range of social media platforms. This will enable the public to find out more about the event and engage with plans ahead of the Tall Ships fleet returning next summer.
The website, www.tallshipslerwick.com has been developed by local firm NB Communication and will be updated as details are confirmed on the extensive public social programme and ships signing up to visit.
Shetland Tall Ships Ltd has also launched social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. All accounts can be followed on the username ‘tallshipslerwick’ and will be updated regularly with content from the project team.
The office-based project team is now established with Shona Bairnson and Lakota Clubb joining Project Manager, Emma Miller as Project Assistant and Digital Media Assistant respectively. The Digital Media Assistant post has been part funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
Other members of the non-office based event team include Tim Matthew as Music Programme Coordinator and Yvonne Reynolds as Family Entertainment Coordinator. Anyone who would like to submit their interest in providing musical or family entertainment services can contact them attim.tallshipsshetland@gmail.com and yvonne@realtaevents.co.uk.
The company is currently recruiting for a Chief Liaison Officer role and tendering for a Health, Safety & Environment Manager in addition to a PR & Marketing contractor to oversee national and international media relations.
Project Manager Emma Miller said “The team is really coming together now and preparations are definitely stepping up a gear for next year’s event. There are certainly a number of additional challenges facing us in planning a large-scale event after the industry has been on hold for two years, but the positive attitude and enthusiasm we are seeing from the public, and from businesses as potential suppliers and sponsors, is fantastic.
“Getting the website and social media channels launched means we can really start to engage with the public and keep folk up to date with plans. We have already launched a couple of videos our YouTube channel and will follow this up with more content this week.”
Maggie Sandison, Chief Executive, Shetland Islands Council: “It’s great to see the project get to this stage, and the Tall Ships team coming together so impressively. It’s also fantastic to see the support coming forward from local businesses and organisations. I think the event is going to be a tremendous boost to the local economy, and a much-needed celebration for the community.”
The Tall Ships visit to Lerwick is being supported by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate. Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland Director of Events, said: “The launch of the website and social media channels is an exciting step in the preparations for next year’s event and provides a great way for people to find out more about the race and all the planned activities.
“EventScotland is delighted to be supporting Lerwick to host the Tall Ships Races in 2023 and showcase the region’s amazing scenery and culture to an avid audience of sailing enthusiasts.”
Gabbi Heaton-Armstrong, Development manager at HIE, said: “We are really pleased to support the Digital Media Assistant post. This is an exciting role that will benefit the business by managing their online presence and increase local and global awareness of the Tall Ships Races 2023 and in particular, Lerwick as the only Scottish port that will be visited. The post will be instrumental in helping to attract thousands of visitors to the island during the four-day event and in communicating real-time interaction with key audiences leading up to the event.”
For more information on Tall Ships Races see https://sailtraininginternational.org/
and for more information on the Tall Ships visit to Lerwick see https://www.tallshipslerwick.com/ or contact Project Manager, Emma Miller on 01595 502110 / 07706 365020
or emma@tallshipslerwick.com.