Welcome to the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival

We do things differently on the Aberdeenshire coast – Macduff Distillery manager Jamie Winfield sets a new tradition between the boat festival and The Deveron 12 Year Old Malt Whisky.

The Portsoy historic harbour provided a stunning backdrop for Rev John Gow, minister of Portsoy Church Centre, as he upholds festival tradition and blesses our virtual fleet.

Find out why the buttery reigns supreme at John Donald Bakers which has been serving up daily treats to customers in Portsoy and district since 1951.

David Urquhart, chairman of The Scottish Traditional Boat Festival, believes moving the festival online offers incredible opportunities for Portsoy to be seen around the world.

Anne McArthur’s dancers demonstrate strength and stamina as they mimic sailors’ shipboard tasks such as climbing the ship’s rigging, standing watch and hauling in rope.

Scottish food blogger Angie Milne of The Wee Larder rustles up a sweet treat for festival fans using locally milled Hamlyns Oats down the road at Boyndie.

If you think that Nathan Evans has cornered the Sea Shanty market, then you’ll think again after hearing this ultimate earworm.

Roger McMichael, Stakeholder Manager provides an update on the Moray West offshore wind farm project.
Additional details at moraywest.com

Presenter Caz Warne gets a lesson in how to build a skiff at Portsoy’s centre dedicated to preserving traditional boatmaking skills.

Anne McArthur lifts the lid on Portsoy’s Salmon Bothy, sharing its story and that of the other trades that made Portsoy great. You’ll discover that not all of them were legal…

Viewers of This Farming Life will recognise this location. Take a tour of Little Rowater Farm with Isla French to meet native – and not so native – livestock.

A special message from Aberdeen FC legend Eoin Jess, Portsoy born and bred, which he has recorded for Ahoy Portsoy from his home in sunny Spain.

Riley McClaggan from Elgin Youth Cafe bakes the perfect biscuit for sea lovers, using a delicious recipe from Scottish food writer Liz Ashworth.

Ropemaking was a trade found in Portsoy in the past, but the ropework from these fast-paced Portsoy lassies is altogether different! We present the award-winning Skip 2 The Beat.

Elsa McTaggart and Gary Lister perform a selection of tunes penned during lockdown that were inspired by the natural environment.

“Amazing scenery, amazing communities and amazing wildlife – it really is a special place.” – Andrew Simpson, Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire sums up the historic county.

A trip with Billy Milne and his son Ellis (14) on Comet, with Ellis at the helm. Comet soundtrack is composed and played by Paulina Smith-Honig; guitar accompaniment by Alan Reynolds.

Jill Mair of Portsoy Coffee Shop and Bistro shows how to make this tasty regional dish, best served with Portsoy Oat Cakes, with the assistance of Andrew Martin.

Ovenbird Coffee Roasters give a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the making of the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival’s special edition coffee blend. Hand roasted and made in Scotland.

With over 100 different flavours in his cabinet, Alex Murray shares the story behind the success of Portsoy Ice Cream. Fancy sampling a scoop of Fisherman’s Friend?

Brian Sutherland, chairman of Portsoy’s 75 Club, explains why the festival is critical to the success of this charitable body which helps light up Portsoy every year.

It’s what you’ve been waiting for! Skerryvore should have headlined in 2019…and then 2020. Never fear, they will join us next year, and meantime share this exclusive set with us.

The Shetland built Swan was a sailing herring drifter that now operates as a sailing training vessel. Learn about her fascinating transformation.

Retired Portsoy fisherman Alex Slater (82) shares some hair-raising tales from his life at sea in conversation with his daughter Lesley.

Visit Portsoy on the Aberdeenshire coast and receive a healthy dose of Vitamin Sea! Here’s our collection of just some of the area’s many highlights.

Anne McArthur has brought dancing displays to every boat festival, the only difference this year is that they join us in moving online. Check out the amazing scenic dancing locations.

Chef Rory Lovie, Bridgeview Station Restaurant, Dundee conjures up a dish that’s perfect for a breakfast or as a pudding using Hamlyns Oats.

Join John Dewar & Sons Distilleries ambassador Gary Ross on a virtual tour of Macduff Distillery, home of The Deveron Highland Single Malt. Sláinte.

Reaper is the last sailing herring drifter of the Fifie-build in existence. Learn about her history, travels and restoration in this compilation from Scottish Fisheries Museum.

Rooted deeply in the music traditions of North-east Scotland, one of Scotland’s top ballad singers shares a musical medley with Ahoy Portsoy.

Take a look at the creative talents of Portsoy Primary pupils in this online gallery showcasing their entries for our online art exhibition.

There’s so much more to knitting than just a couple of sticks. See how Caz got on learning how to knit, and the story being this local institution.

The ex -Dexys Midnight Runners trombonist, Jim Paterson, chats about leaving Portsoy to find fame, then returning to his roots and performing at the festival.

Portsoy Community Enterprise’s role in preserving maritime heritage and promoting tourism though the annual boat festival, the Boatshed, Salmon Bothy, Caravan Park & Sail Loft.

Coinneach MacLeod comes from a family of fishermen so is delighted to support Ahoy Portsoy. Watch him cook up a storm with these smoked haddock fishcakes with an oat crumb.

Festival presenters Andrew Martin and Caz Warne take a boat tour with a difference – on dry land – recalling some of their favourite virtual festival memories.

Festival presenter Andrew Martin says goodbye to Ahoy Portsoy and offers up an invitation to all to return to our person-to-person event in June 2022.

Portsoy Pipe Major Robert Legge closes our digital debut playing the pipes whilst filmed at one of the town’s most atmospheric locations. Just look at those views!