Call for volunteers to help support Scottish Traditional Boat Festival
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Organisers of the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival have issued a call for volunteers to assist in the run up to and during the annual event – which makes its return on Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19.
The renowned celebration of Portsoy’s rich maritime heritage is set to attract thousands of visitors over the two days.
Live music from Celtic rockers, Skerryvore, will kick-off the proceedings on Friday, June 17 at the Big Gig on the Back Green.
Chairman of the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival committee David Urquhart said: “Without the support of volunteers, we simply wouldn’t be able to deliver an event of this scale and quality.
"They play such an important role. We need their support with the huge amount of planning involved prior to the festival, but also on the ground, helping with the set up, making sure everything runs smoothly over the weekend and with the clean-up, after the event.
"In return, volunteers will receive free day entry to enjoy the atmosphere and entertainment of the festival.
“There is a fantastic line-up across the two days, alongside the premier heritage boats the festival is renowned for.
"We are looking forward to bringing the whole community together to celebrate our wonderful region and restore that sense of civic pride, that we’ve not been able to do in the last couple of years. If anyone can spare some time, then please get in touch.”
June Masson, who was involved in the very first festival, said: “My involvement with the festival began when I was treasurer for the very first event, which was held to celebrate 300 years since the old Portsoy harbour was built.
"This set the foundation for what has now become the annual Scottish Traditional Boat Festival.
"It is always a highlight in the calendar and there’s great excitement around being back harbourside this year.
“There’s a great community spirit which surrounds the festival and over the years I have volunteered in many different roles from supporting with the festival programme, co-ordinating the food fayre and stalls, stewarding to supporting on the admin and licensing associated with running an event of this size.
“This year, we are looking for people to fill a variety of roles such as supporting the ticket office and stewarding during the event.
"There will be a 2k and a 10k road race and we also need people to come forward to marshall the routes.
“It really does give a sense of pride and achievement being part of such a fantastic event, seeing visitors enjoying the food, the entertainment and having fun makes it all worthwhile.
"I would urge as many people as possible to get involved, you can give as much or as little of your time as you like.
"You might even learn some new skills or push yourself out of your comfort zone.”
To join the volunteer team at the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival email contact@stbfportsoy.org or call 01261 842951.
Portsoy’s unique boat festival has been running since 1993 and has welcomed visitors from across Scotland and much further afield, including boat clubs in Germany, Norway and Sweden, cultural groups from the Baltic states and Shetland’s Jarl Squad Vikings. In 2019, it won best cultural event/festival at the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards.
Last year’s reformatted virtual festival was delivered as part of Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters and can still be viewed via the boat festival website.
Find out more about the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival on social media at @STBFPortsoy #ahoyportsoy or at www.stbfportsoy.org
This year’s festival is supported by EventScotland’s National Events Programme.
