The largest collection of traditional boats in Scotland is promised in the two harbours of Portsoy when the annual Scottish Traditional Boat Festival returns from Friday June 29th to Sunday July 1st.
The only event of its kind in the country and now in its 14th year, the colourful three-day festival combines maritime, music and entertainment.
This year the festival will host the finale of the Moray Firth Flotilla 2007, which will see up to 60 traditional boats sailing around the coast from Wick and ending their journey in Portsoy.
The combination of these two major nautical events means that more than 100 vessels including historical craft such as the Fifies Swan, Isabella Fortuna, Reaper and
White Wing are expected to descend on Portsoy's two picturesque harbours, creating a magnificent display.
With a packed programme of music, dance and theatre events, a wealth of craft and heritage demonstrations and over 20 food exhibitors showing off the very best of Scottish produce, a weekend of non-stop entertainment for all ages is promised.
A celebrated line up of artists from the Scottish folk scene will be taking to the stage over the three day event. On Saturday evening the Flotilla Tribute Concert will be held at the harbour side with entertainment from Stephen Quigg and Gaberlunzie, lights show and firework finale.
The Friday night concert will feature one of Scotland's favourite folk bands, the Old Blind Dogs, as well as singer/songwriter Bruce Davies and acclaimed folk act North Sea Gas with Stephen Quigg as MC.
The Setterday Nicht Ceilidh offers the opportunity to dance the night away with ceilidh band Makarakit.
Adventure Land provides a huge range of activities from quad bikes to assault courses, climbing walls to trampolines and from archery to a 40 foot laser dome.
Throughout the festival there will be a host of interesting and unusual craft demonstrations from basket weavers, blacksmiths, storytellers and knot tiers among others.
A fun run and half marathon on the Sunday is expected to attract more than 300 runners of all ages.
Event chairman Roger Goodyear says: “The festival continues to go from strength to strength. Over 18,000 people attended the festival in 2006 and with another incredible line up, this year's event promises to be better than ever.
“With a host of entertainment and activities from boat building and bands to fine food and craft demonstrators there is something for everyone. We were honoured that the 2006 festival scooped the Aberdeenshire Tourism Initiative category of the Northern Lights Awards for a third year, a great achievement signifying the real asset the festival is to the local area.
“We are delighted to be playing host to the Moray Firth Flotilla 2007 at this year's Scottish Traditional Boat Festival: a wonderful opportunity to combine two significant maritime events. With over 100 colourful and dramatic vessels set to adorn the harbours at Portsoy, it really will provide a wealth of memorable sights.”
For more information visit www.scottishtraditionalboatfestival.co.uk
