Emmerdale actor Chris Chittell to officially open Portsoy’s Scottish Traditional Boat Festival
Actor Chris Chittell - who is best known for his role as Eric Pollard in the ITV soap Emmerdale - will officially open the 32nd annual Glenglassaugh Scottish Traditional Boat Festival.
This is Chris’ first visit to the maritime event, and he will be welcomed to Portsoy by Lord-Lieutenant for Banffshire Andrew Simpson to mark the beginning of the festival held on Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29.
Following the opening on Saturday morning at 11am, Portsoy Pipe Band will perform a lively display, and Chris will take a tour of the festival site.
A flotilla of heritage vessels from across the country will drop anchor in Portsoy alongside a packed programme of entertainment, including live music and dance, Scottish food and drink, interactive craft demonstrations and unique handmade items and gifts.
Chris is Emmerdale’s longest-serving cast member and has played Eric Pollard since 1986.
He is a well-known face in the north east, frequently attending charity events and being involved in local fundraising activities.
During his visit to Portsoy, Chris will meet with the individuals and volunteers involved in the organisation of the festival, the skippers and crews of the traditional boats and the businesses showcasing their products in the craft marquees and food fayre.
He will also interact with visitors during his visit and may even share some behind-the-scenes information about the ITV soap.
David Urquhart, chairman of the Glenglassaugh Scottish Traditional Boat Festival said: “We are extremely grateful to Chris for attending this year’s event and performing our official opening.
“This will be his first visit to the festival, and we are thrilled to showcase the vibrant, maritime traditions of Scotland, whilst introducing him to the volunteers and committee members who give up their time to make the event happen.
“The festival welcomes traditional boats from across the country and Chris will climb aboard to meet with the skippers and crews, gaining an insight into what life was like at sea hundreds of years ago.
“Chris will also experience the event’s unique atmosphere, which is really a feast for the senses.
“From delicious food and drink, to live music and dance, age old crafts and unique handmade items and gifts, I’m sure Chris will enjoy all the event has to offer.”
Stewart Buchanan, global brand ambassador single malts of Glenglassaugh Distillery, headline sponsor of the event for the second year said: “2025 marks the 150th anniversary of Glenglassaugh Distillery and we are proud to partner, once again this year, with the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival as main sponsor.
“The festival embodies the heritage and coastal spirit that has shaped our whisky and our connection with Portsoy runs deep, with its influence inspiring the expression named after the town.
“The Portsoy coastal single malt recently won gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and visitors to the festival can taste our full range, which is shaped by land and sea, and take home their very own bottle.”
For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.stbfportsoy.org
The festival is sponsored by Glenglassaugh, Puffin Wood Fuels, Hamlyn’s of Scotland, Portsoy Thrift Shop, Portsoy 75 Club, Urquhart Joinery Services, Macduff Shipyards, Messrs J Smith, Camwater, Gray Composting Services and North East Scotland Preservation Trust.
The Glenglassaugh 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.
For more information visit www.stbfportsoy.org or on social media at @STBFPortsoy #ahoyportsoy
