Scottish Traditional Boat Festival to welcome folk band RURA

A huge line-up of musical acts will take to the stage during the Glenglassaugh Scottish Traditional Boat Festival on Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23.

One of the most exciting bands on the Scottish folk scene, the multi award-winning RURA make their festival debut as headliners of the Saturday night Gig on the Back Green, sponsored by Gray Composting Services.

Also joining the line-up is RuMac, AKA Ruairidh MacLean with his soul stirring melodies and traditional Celtic songs and the Black Isle Peas, who are guaranteed to get the party started.

Tickets are £15, this is a licensed event for over 18s only. Visit the festival website www.stbfportsoy.org to book.

David Urquhart, chairman of the Glenglassaugh Scottish Traditional Boat Festival said: “We have an eclectic mix of music during the weekend, including local bands, renowned artists and groups, representing a range of musical genres and styles.

“Our festival programme is packed with a wide variety of entertainment, and we aim to offer something for all ages and interests.

“We are delighted to bring back popular performances from local Cullen quines, Fair Trickit with their self-penned songs along with Highland dancing from the Anne McArthur Dancers, and Skip 2 the Beat return with their fast-paced skipping routines and stunts.

“Opening the festival on Saturday morning is the Portsoy Pipe Band, who will parade through the event during the weekend.

“Our live music line-up will provide an excellent soundtrack to the festival which celebrates the north-east’s maritime heritage with traditional boats, delicious Scottish food and drink and age-old crafts, unique items and gifts – we hope you can join us.”

The Harbour Stage, sponsored by Hamlyns of Scotland Oatmeal will be hosted by Andrew Martin and Lauren Mitchell from Northsound Radio.

Returning this year is Dundee-based duo, Sean Findlay and Adam Smith who are currently making waves in the Scottish music scene.

Sean will be singing his original songs with Adam playing a fiddle trad tune in the middle.

Popular Inverness-based band, Tartan Paint make their first trip to Portsoy, blending traditional instruments with cutting edge sounds.

They can be regularly found filling the dancefloor of festivals and musical hot spots around the Highlands.

Award-winning piper, fiddler, composer and instrument maker, Malin Lewis from the Isle of Skye will close Saturday’s music programme. Malin has played in Canada, Europe and across the UK.

Across in the Back Green marquee, sponsored by Ocean Winds and Moray West, community choir, the Deveron Singers will start proceedings on Saturday, followed by a set from Gordy Strathdee.

Invergroovy, is the combination of two very talented musicians, Arthur Coates and Ellie Beaton. The duo have developed their own brand, merging traditional music with pop and folk songs.

They will support Skipinnish in the Big Gig on the Back Green on Friday, June 21 and will take to the Back Green Stage on Saturday afternoon.

Turriff Silver Band will entertain visitors on Sunday across at Back Green, with more performances from Sean Findlay with Adam Smith, Malin Lewis, Fair Trickit and Tartan Paint. Closing the weekend is Rev John Gow and the Sanky Hymns, in aid of the RNLI in the Portsoy Church Centre.

Tickets are discounted when purchased in advance online, to book visit www.stbfportsoy.org

For festival updates follow @stbfportsoy or #ahoyportsoy on social media.

The festival will host the world-famous Red Arrows Aerobatic Team on Saturday, June 22.

It is the only Scottish public display performed by the team, during their very busy diamond anniversary campaign.

This new nine-aircraft show will feature manoeuvres not seen for a generation, in their routine which changes each year.

Around 30 traditional boats from across the UK will sail into Portsoy, including 17th century Fifie herring drifter Reaper, which will make the journey from the Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther, Fife.

Also returning to the festival is White Wing, a 33ft Baldie and setting sail from Wick in Caithness will be 19th century Fifie and festival favourite, the Isabella Fortuna.

This year’s festival is sponsored by Glenglassaugh Distillery, Event Scotland, Gray Composting Services Ltd, Puffin Wood Fuels, Moray West, Ocean Winds, Portsoy Thrift Shop, Urquhart Joinery Services, Portsoy 75 Club, Hamlyn’s of Scotland Oatmeal, Messrs J Smith of Sandend, Aspire Restaurant, Whisky Cask Pens, Highland Tweedery, Broadshore Hub, Bellrock Offshore Wind Farm, Camwater Ltd, Davidson Reid Auctions and Crisp Malt.

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