Replay The 2021 Digital Festival
Our collection of films offers many highlights that you would expect find at a physical festival. Take your time to virtually stroll through this unique event and enjoy historic boats, music, food, drink, crafts, and entertainment from Portsoy’s own talented community.
Have a Smashing Time
With The Deveron
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.
A Taste of
What’s to Come
The sky’s the limit. Portsoy is pretty amazing from any angle. Come and see for yourself by joining us on a short journey of exploration!
Ceremonial Blessing
of the Fleet
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.
Banffshire butteries
are the best!
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.
A Crewman’s Tales from Isabella Fortuna
Resilience, Commitment and Dedication – three stories from separate voyages for the crew of Isabella Fortuna remind us that it’s never just plain sailing.
Stepping Stones and more with Cody Feechan
Fife singer songwriter Cody Feechan has this preview of what Portsoy audiences can expect when she heads to Portsoy next year to support Skerryvore.
Making Virtual Waves –
There’s Nothing Like It!
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.
The Sailor’s Hornpipe
around Portsoy
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.
Ahoy Portsoy Rhubarb Crumble Bars
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.
Ahoy, Portsoy, Ahoy!
Sea Shanty
If you think that Nathan Evans has cornered the Sea Shanty market, then you’ll think again after hearing this ultimate earworm.
Moray West Wind Farm – Powering Scotland’s Future
Moray West – A New Offshore Wind Project
Roger McMichael, Stakeholder Manager provides an update on the Moray West offshore wind farm project.
Additional details at moraywest.com
Portsoy Boatshed:
Magic in the Making
Presenter Caz Warne gets a lesson in how to build a skiff at Portsoy’s centre dedicated to preserving traditional boatmaking skills.
Inside Portsoy’s Four Star Museum
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…
A Passion for Farming
in Banffshire
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.
Eoin Jess –
Pele of Portsoy
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.
Taste the Difference: Captain’s Crunch Oats
Riley McClaggan from Elgin Youth Cafe bakes the perfect biscuit for sea lovers, using a delicious recipe from Scottish food writer Liz Ashworth.
Skip 2 The Beat:
These girls know the ropes!
These girls know the ropes!
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.
Music from the Isle of Lewis to Portsoy
Elsa McTaggart and Gary Lister perform a selection of tunes penned during lockdown that were inspired by the natural environment.
Take a Bow,
Award-Winning Volunteers
“Amazing scenery, amazing communities and amazing wildlife – it really is a special place.” – Andrew Simpson, Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire sums up the historic county.
Setting Sail on Board
The Comet
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.
Cullen Skink –
Our Soup of the Day
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.
Coffee break with
Ovenbird Coffee Roasters
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.
Festival Coffee Blend
Portsoy Ice Cream –
What’s your Flavour?
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?
Fundraising –
Charity Begins at Home
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.
Skerryvore – Exclusive Set from the top Celtic rockers
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 Swan as You’ve Never Seen Her Before!
The Shetland built Swan was a sailing herring drifter that now operates as a sailing training vessel. Learn about her fascinating transformation.
Fishing Stories From Past Times
Retired Portsoy fisherman Alex Slater (82) shares some hair-raising tales from his life at sea in conversation with his daughter Lesley.
A tour of Portsoy –
Wish you were here?
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.
Dancing with Delight –
Highland Fling
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.
Floaty Oaty
Boaty Mousse
Chef Rory Lovie, Bridgeview Station Restaurant, Dundee conjures up a dish that’s perfect for a breakfast or as a pudding using Hamlyns Oats.
Scotland’s Amber Nectar
By The Sea
Join John Dewar & Sons Distilleries ambassador Gary Ross on a virtual tour of Macduff Distillery, home of The Deveron Highland Single Malt. Sláinte.
The Deveron 12 Year Old Single Malt
This Highland single malt whisky takes its name from the River Deveron which flows next to Macduff and then out to the North Sea.
Reaper –
The Last Of Her Kind
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.
Scots Sangs Fae
Iona Fyfe
Rooted deeply in the music traditions of North-east Scotland, one of Scotland’s top ballad singers shares a musical medley with Ahoy Portsoy.
Young Portsoy Artists
In The Frame
Take a look at the creative talents of Portsoy Primary pupils in this online gallery showcasing their entries for our online art exhibition.
Bothy Knitters –
The Fabric of the Festival
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.
From Portsoy
to Top of The Pops
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.
Enterprising Portsoy –
Our Story
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.
TikTok’s
The Hebridean Baker
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 Moments from
Andrew and Caz
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.
Don’t Miss the Boat –
See You Next Year
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.
Pipe dreams with
Robert Legge
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!