Portsoy’s Salmon Bothy and Boatshed will welcome public for Doors Open Day
People will be able to delve into a town’s maritime heritage during Doors Open Day later this month.
Portsoy’s Salmon Bothy and the Boatshed will open their doors to the public during the event on Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, September 22.
The former working salmon house, dates back to 1834 and housed a bothy, ice house, fish preparation area, workshop and storage accommodation.
These areas were restored and reopened in 2009 to create a museum, family history research base and community space called, Upstairs at the Salmon Bothy.
Run by a team of volunteers, visitors can view displays, artefacts and information about Portsoy’s historic harbours, the fishing industry and trade.
Richard Thorne, development manager of Portsoy Community Enterprise said: “Portsoy’s 17th century harbour was a bustling hive of activity, not only a main fishing port, it was also the base where several associated industries were developed including manufacturing and engineering.
“Whilst the sea was a significant employer for the community, Portsoy was also a key exporter of marble, thanks to its unique geology.
“Visitors can learn more about the area’s seafaring stories through the old photographs and displays, which have been preserved within the Salmon Bothy.”
Participating in Doors Open Day for the first time, the Portsoy Boatshed will welcome visitors to learn more about the community projects, and school programmes, being delivered to keep traditional boat building skills alive.
Built upon the ruins of a former boatshed, in 2015 Portsoy Community Enterprise transformed the building into a permanent premises for wooden boat building.
The Boatshed’s team of volunteers will be on hand to share their knowledge, skills and demonstrate intricate woodworking techniques.
Richard said: “The Boatshed is a fantastic space which is fully set up with traditional and modern tools for woodwork and boat building.
“It is part of the community, and people are welcome to come and have a chat with our volunteers about any projects they would like support with.
“There are a range of projects underway which visitors can view, and we will have children’s activities to engage and entertain our younger attendees.”
Celebrating the wealth of culture and heritage across Aberdeenshire, Doors Open Day is the largest free architectural event in Scotland, organised nationally by the Scottish Civic Trust, and coordinated locally by Aberdeenshire Council.
Portsoy Salmon Bothy will be open from 10am – 4pm on Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, September 22.
The Boatshed will be open on Sunday only from noon – 4pm. For more information on Doors Open Day visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk
Portsoy Community Enterprise is a social enterprise driven by a team of volunteers.
It brings together an array of assets, events and offerings to keep alive the ingrained heritage and cultures of the north-east of Scotland.
The organisation was established following the creation of the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival.
Intended to be a one-off event to celebrate the 300th year of Portsoy’s harbour in 1993, it has now become one of the leading events on Scotland’s summer calendar and welcomes thousands of visitors to celebrate the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Portsoy Community Enterprise comprises of the Portsoy Salmon Bothy, the Boatshed, Portsoy Links Caravan Park and the Sail Loft.
Working collaboratively, the whole organisation aims to provide economic benefit from tourism for the town of Portsoy and the surrounding area, with all of the enterprise’s assets belonging to the community. Visit www.portsoy.org for further information.
