As Scotland’s leading maritime festival gets set to make a welcome return to the Aberdeenshire coast this summer, organisers are sounding a call to crafters, makers, producers and traders to be part of the revival.

Businesses and individuals are urged to get on board and be part of the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival – and have until 31 March to register for space for the food and drink fayre and also for the crafts and stalls areas.

With the festival back as an in-person event, it’s a great opportunity to be part of the showcase on 18 and 19 June in Portsoy when up to 16,000 visitors are expected to attend.

Members of the public are being invited to volunteer with the festival. Roles include assisting at the ticket office and information points, stewarding and setting up and clearing up. Free festival day entry is available to those who lend a hand.

Planning is well underway for the first live festival since 2019, according to festival chairman David Urquhart.

Mr Urquhart said: “The boat festival offers the chance for a reunion of the community for the first time in three years. The feeling of community pride as the festival returns will be priceless and exhibitors are invited to join us and be part of that experience.

“Whether it’s sampling street food, watching nimble fingered craftspeople or being immersed in maritime traditions, our festival will be all about celebrating the good things in life.

“Iconic bands, great dancing, children’s attractions and all within a beautiful seafront setting. It’s a family friendly festival and we’re looking to bringing people back together again.”

Organisers are seeking stallholders and traders, food and drink producers, craftspeople and entertainers to get their applications in using the registration process on the festival website, stbfportsoy.org

For crafts, stalls, food and drink businesses this process should be completed no later than 31st March.

The festival fun gets underway with Scots rockers Skerryvore headlining the opening Big Gig at Back Green on the evening of Friday, 17th June. This will be followed by two action-packed days of on-water and land-based attractions. Guest vessels and crews will travel from across Scotland to attend, and the festival is set to feature its largest food and drink fayre. There will be vibrant arts events including plays, music and dance, while competitive types can take part in the raft race, 2k and 10k runs.

Tickets for the weekend are available to order now from the website, purchasing in advance offers the best rates, visit for details.

Anyone interested in volunteering, giving as little or as much time as suits, should get in touch at contact@stbfportsoy.org

Keep up to date by following the festival on social media @STBFPortsoy #ahoyportsoy