WATCH: Scottish Traditional Boat Festival comes to a close with bumper crowds visiting

This year’s Scottish Traditional Boat Festival has came to a close with huge numbers of people enjoying the maritime spectacle.

Thousands made their way to the Banffshire community on Saturday to see the Red Arrows in action with a stunning display in the skies.

And throughout the weekend there was a plethora of things to see and do including historic vessels Reaper, Isabella Fortuna and Swan.

The event kicked off on Friday evening with Celtic rock band, Skipinnish performing as headline act for the Big Gig on the Back Green.

The band is celebrating its 25th Anniversary by performing at a select number of smaller events in 2024 chosen by the group for special reasons. The maritime theme of the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival made it a very appropriate event for Skipinnish to choose Portsoy as one of these exclusive gigs of their 25th year.

On Saturday, the festival hosted the world-famous Red Arrows Aerobatic Team.

It is the only Scottish public display performed by the team, during its very busy diamond anniversary campaign. The new nine-aircraft show featured manoeuvres not seen for a generation, in a routine which changes each year.

The festival, which was sponsored by Glenglassaugh Distillery, marked its 31st anniversary.

It welcomed a flotilla of heritage vessels for a weekend of live music and dance, Scottish food and drink and age-old crafts, celebrating the north east’s nautical past.

Seventeenth century Fifie herring drifter Reaper, made the journey from the Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther, Fife again this year, along with White Wing, a 33ft Baldie.

Setting sail from Wick in Caithness was the 19th century Fifie and festival favourite, the Isabella Fortuna.

A new Coastal Crafts area was added this year, showcasing a variety of local, artisan businesses including handmade jewellery, ceramics and bespoke wooden accessories and gifts.

A huge line up of musical acts took to the stage during the festival.

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 was RuMac, AKA Ruairidh MacLean with his soul stirring melodies and traditional Celtic songs and the Black Isle Peas, who got the party started.

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

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

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

Award-winning piper, fiddler, composer and instrument maker, Malin Lewis from the Isle of Skye closed Saturday’s music programme.

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

Invergroovy, is the combination of two very talented musicians, Arthur Coates and Ellie Beaton. They supported Skipinnish in the Big Gig on the Back Green and took to the Back Green Stage on Saturday afternoon.

Turriff Silver Band entertained visitors on Sunday across at Back Green.

Closing the weekend was Rev John Gow and the Sanky Hymns, in aid of the RNLI in the Portsoy Church Centre.

A feast of flavours were also on offer at this year’s event. Fresh fish, lobster and crab, Scottish game and Aberdeen Angus beef, handmade chutneys and jams were on the menu alongside locally produced gin, rum and whisky.

More than 40 food and drink vendors showcased their delicious produce.

The popular Kids’ Zone returned this year which had a variety of activities for younsters to enjoy.

The Scottish Traditional Boat Festival was first held in 1993 as an event to celebrate the tercentenary of Portsoy’s old harbour.

Since then, it has been firmly anchored in the town’s calendar, taking place annually each summer and attracting thousands of visitors from across the region, and further afield.

The festival is set around Portsoy’s 17th Century harbour and is run by Portsoy Community Enterprise which also manages Portsoy Links Caravan Park, The Sail Loft Bunkhouse, The Salmon Bothy and The Boatshed.

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