Thousands are expected at the quayside

On 10 August a romantic procession of sloops, ketches, cutters, barques and smacks will sail magnificently up the Tay and berth alongside Scott's vessel, the RRS Discovery.

Alan Rankin, the Chief Executive of Dundee Heritage Trust, said: "We are delighted they are coming over.

"It's one of the highlights of the year of celebrations we've been holding to mark the RRS Discovery's trip to the Antarctic in 1901.

"We are especially pleased that one of the most famous Tall Ships, the Mexican boat, Cuauhtemoc, will give Discovery a 21 gun salute.

Weekend extravaganza

The visit kicks off a weekend of music and entertainment along Dundee's City Quay with Discovery as its centrepiece.

Dundee Heritage Trust has arranged live music including Samba and Ceidlh bands and the organisers are hoping for a performance from the Moscow State Circus, which is co-incidentally in Dundee.

The race attracts entrants from round the world

The event is also intended to raise money for the �500,000 restoration planned for the ship.

The Heritage Trust expects thousands of visitors to the Tall Ships event, marking a high point of Discovery's Centenary year.

Dr Colin Smith, Chief Executive of the Angus and Dundee Tourist Board sees it as a crowd puller.

"Tall Ships' events are major draws, attracting people from far and wide.

"It will show the world that Dundee is a major venue capable of showcasing events of this nature and it will be a great occasion for the Dundee public."

Lest we forget

Captain Scott's grandson, Falcon Scott, who believes the exploits of the Antarctic explorers should be given a higher profile, launched the centenary year.

The celebrations have focussed not just on Scott and his ship, but also other great explorers, with help from present day pioneers, like Sir Ranulph Fiennes, and NASA astronauts.

Scott's epic voyage began on March 21 1901, sailing to a continent then so little known that all he had to guide him were maps of its coastline.

Sir Ranulph has described that voyage as an "inspiration" to generations of trailblazers and not just those who have mapped out Planet Earth.

Exploration can range from medical research into Cancer cures, to the quest for knowledge of outer space.

The naming of NASA's Space Shuttle, Discovery was a compliment to Scott and the RRS Discovery.