Half a million pounds will be put aside every year for the next four years to allow the Granite City to host the world famous tall ships in 2022, it was agreed yesterday.
There had been an angry backlash against the Labour led administration when it was revealed last week that council officers had not applied for the next race, set for 2020.
Yesterday’s finance committee agreed to build up a war chest of around £2million to allow them to apply for the 2022 event.
They will also consult with business to fund at least as 25% of the cost of the event – which could be as much as £3million.
But the opposition SNP and Liberal Democrat groups opposed the move, saying there was no guarantee that it would be honoured in years to come by future councils.
Some 500,000 visitors crowded Aberdeen’s harbour to welcome the vessels when they last docked in Aberdeen in 1997, boosting the local economy by about £13million.
Finance convener Willie Young said: “Today’s pledge puts in place the financial measures necessary to deliver this high profile event for Aberdeen in 2022 – one which many residents will have happy memories of in the past.
“It shows our firm commitment to create opportunities for economic development by putting Aberdeen on the map as an international destination and signifies that we are open and ready for business.”
But Liberal Democrat Steve Delaney said: “We are all agreed with the sentiment that we would like to see the tall ships return but clearly you can get a lot for £500,000.
“It’s an aspiration but we have a lot of things to develop in the city and I’m not sure this is the top of the list.”
SNP group leader Stephen Flynn added: “£500,000 goes a long way when it comes to public services.
“They shouldn’t be putting this commitment on future councils.”
The motion was passed by nine votes to eight.
