25 years ago today, the legendary Cutty Sark Tall Ships descended on Leith Docks. Tens of thousands flocked to the shore each day in July 1995 to see the Tall Ships in all their glory. On the last night of the event, approximately 150,000 people watched a fireworks display at the Docks, to say farewell to the mighty vessels. Were you there? Do you remember the visit?


. 25 years ago today
25 years ago today, the legendary Cutty Sark Tall Ships descended on Leith Docks Photo: John Dickson

. Dozens of world-famous sailing ships
Dozens of world-famous sailing ships which were festooned in all manner of colourful flags and regalia. Photo: John Dickson

. Sedov
In the flotilla was the world's largest sailing ship, the 407ft Russian-owned Sedov. Photo: John Dickson

. Tall Ships in Leith
Tens of thousands flocked to Leith Docks each day in July 1995 to see the Tall Ships in all their glory. Photo: John Dickson

9. The first idea
Bernard Morgan, a retired solicitor from London, first had the idea for the race after the Second World War. Photo: John Dickson

10. Dr Pedro Theotonio Pereira
Dr Pedro Theotonio Pereira, the Portuguese Ambassador to the UK, was a huge supporter of this original idea, and helped organise the first event. Photo: John Dickson

11. The First Race
The first Tall Ships' race was held in 1956. 20 of the world's last remaining large sailing ships set sail from Torquay, Devon and headed to Lisbon, Portugal. Photo: John Dickson

12. Duke of Edinburgh
In 2006, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, started the 50th Anniversary Tall Ships' Race. Fittingly he also started the very first race in 1956. Photo: John Dickson