Seafaring celebrations are getting a sweet twist this weekend as an Aberdeen dessert hotspot launches a wave of limited-edition flavours and family fun to mark the arrival of the Tall Ships Races.
Mackie’s 19.2, the city centre ice cream parlour run by Mackie’s of Scotland, is sailing into the festivities with a line-up of ice cream flavours crafted specially for the international event – bringing a taste of the sea to Marischal Square.
Among the weekend exclusives are inventive concoctions like Mermaid (a trio of fruity ice creams with vibrant pearls and mermaid tail decorations), Blue Raspberry & Chocolate Turtles, and Sea Breeze Sorbet (mint and lime), alongside more indulgent options like Bourbon Vanilla, Salted Caramel & Pretzel.
Yvette Harrison, Parlour Manager at Mackie’s 19.2, said: “We wanted to do something really creative and different for Tall Ships – something that would capture the imagination and deliver the same wow factor as the ships themselves.
“The flavours are bright, bold and packed with personality. It’s a chance for locals and visitors to try something they’ve never had before, while soaking up the atmosphere of the city’s biggest summer celebration.”
The ice cream specialities will be available across the weekend of the races, which are set to bring more than 400,000 visitors to the Granite City from Saturday 19 to Monday 22 July.
Mackie’s 19.2 will also host a one-off interactive event on Sunday 21 July. Between 11am and 12pm, children can design and create their own Tall Ships-themed ice cream sundae boat – with a ticket price of £10 including a drink and the chance to bounce off the sugar rush on a bouncy castle outside the parlour.
Yvette added: “There’s nothing better than seeing kids get creative with sprinkles, sauces and scoops – and the addition of the bouncy castle makes it a really fun event.
“We love being part of big city moments like this, and it’s always special when we can offer families something memorable to take away.
“It’s shaping up to be an unforgettable weekend in Aberdeen, and we’ll be scooping every second of it.”
Located within the Marischal Square development, Mackie’s 19.2 is named for the 19.2 miles between the family farm and the parlour. Since its opening, it has become a fixture for locals and visitors alike seeking premium ice cream in the Granite City.
As Aberdeen becomes the UK’s only host port for the iconic Tall Ships Races in 2025, the local business is doing its bit to ensure the weekend leaves a lasting impression on the city’s tastebuds.
