A delectable programme of spectacular nautical sights, creative Scottish crafts, sumptuous local produce and the finest in traditional music and entertainment are set to delight the crowds at this year’s Scottish Traditional Boat Festival. Taking place from 20 – 22 June, 2008, the festival programme is unveiled today (Thursday 21st February, 2008) with the theme of this year’s event announced as “Salmon Cobbles and Silver Darlings†in recognition of the planned restoration of the historic Salmon Bothy at Portsoy.
Major funding totalling in excess of £390,000 has been raised to restore the notable building, the title of which has now been transferred to the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival. Roger Goodyear, Chairman of the Boat Festival explains the impetus behind the theme of this year’s festival:
“The restoration of the Salmon Bothy is an extremely important occasion for Portsoy and the surrounding area. Immense efforts have gone into achieving the development of what will be a significant new attraction for the Banffshire region. Work has started on the refurbishment, and the Salmon House will be officially opened at this year’s Scottish Traditional Boat Festival, marking the culmination of this major project.â€
Once complete the Salmon House will include an exhibition profiling the salmon fishing industry alongside the social and industrial industry of Portsoy. Whilst a multi purpose community resource for heritage activities such as music, visual art and boat building and a centre for ancestral tourism are also planned for the development.
Roger continues: “Fishing has always played an integral role in this area, with Portsoy boasting a buoyant salmon and herring industry in its heyday. This year’s Scottish Traditional Boat Festival will celebrate the proud history of the area in terms of its fishing heritage. Historic and contemporary exhibits will reflect the role fishing has played over the years. Whilst the programme of events will include the unique mix of tremendously beautiful boats, fine foods and exceptional music and entertainment for which the festival is famous.â€
Including the best in traditional music from across Scotland, a diverse range of craft and heritage demonstrations and the opportunity to sample a selection of the finest produce the area has to offer, a programme jam packed with entertainment for all the family is assured over the 3 day event.
Highlights of this year’s Scottish Traditional Boat Festival are set to include:
Music and Melody
An eclectic range of celebrated artists from the Scottish folk scene are set to take to the stage. Irish folk phenomenon the Rapparees will be entertaining the crowds at the Friday Night Showcase Concert, with their unique line up of musicians and instruments ranging from banjos and guitars to fiddles and washboards. Whilst festival favourites, five piece ceilidh band Mak-a-Rak-it return to the festival once more this year bringing their lively traditional Scottish music and song to Saturday night’s proceedings, melodies and music will be in the air throughout the festival, courtesy of the variety of colourful buskers who will mingle with the crowd throughout the 3 day event.
Food Glorious Food
Tempt your tastebuds as the now famous Food Fayre returns. Showcasing the wealth of delectable produce the region offers, choose from the range of fish, meat, bakery products, cheeses, sweets and drink. The Food Fayre is sponsored by renowned local company Downie’s of Whitehills.
Get Crafty
Introduced to the festival just last year, the Art Hoose returns to this year’s proceedings, exhibiting a strong selection of work by regional artists and sculptors. Discover a glimpse of the work which goes into creating a masterpiece with live demonstrations of some of the artists at work.
A selection of heritage demonstrations will also take place over the 3 day event highlighting a unique range of crafts including smoking fish, throwing pots, turning wood and blacksmiths art.
Activity Ahoy
For those looking to get active, the popular 2K Fun Run and 10K Follow the Herring Road Run take place on Sunday 22nd June. Whilst Adventure Land returns for another year with a huge range of activities set to delight those from 9 to 90.
Scottish Traditional Boat Festival 2006
