Portsoy Haal music festival launched at bothy ballads event
A popular traditional music festival has been launched at a bothy ballads evening.
An appreciative audience gathered in Portsoy to celebrate the life of Robert Burns and the north-east of Scotland’s rich tradition of bothy ballads.
It took place at the town’s bowling club jointly hosted by Folk at the Salmon Bothy and Portsoy 75 Club.
The audience was entertained by Natalie Chalmers and Allan Taylor, who recently took part in the annual Champion of Champions Bothy Ballads competition in Elgin.
Both were in superb voice, delivering their song sets beautifully, and raising plenty laughs as Allan toasted the lassies and Natalie delivered an equally spirited reply.
Sarah Simpson piped in the haggis, a young at heart John Mather recited the Selkirk Grace with great gusto, while Doug Hay delivered the Immortal Memory and did a masterful job as MC throughout the evening.
Portsoy 75 Club Choir, which has had a very busy start to 2025, performed a rousing set of songs.
Organiser and Folk at the Salmon Bothy chairman Bob Philips said: “An enjoyable evening was had by all.
“Our thanks go to Portsoy Bowling Club stewards and staff, especially the young waiting staff who worked hard and efficiently.
“Thanks also to our event sponsors Inverhouse Distillers and Knockdhu Distillery, and Stuart Gauld Fruit and Veg Limited for their support.”
Funds raised from the evening will be split between Portsoy 75 Club to support plans for their 50th anniversary celebrations in the community later this year, and Folk at the Salmon Bothy’s forthcoming annual Haal music festival.
The 15th Haal will take place in Portsoy on Friday, May 30, Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1, and once again promises a full and varied programme of folk music.
The Jimmy McBeath Memorial Concert on the Friday evening will be headlined by former Champion of Champions Bothy Ballad singer and his band, Paddy Buchannan. This lively group plays traditional songs and tunes.
Two of Scotland’s greatest female singers, Margaret Bennett and Kate Taylor, will provide support.
Dublin-based The Jeremiahs will headline the Saturday concert. They are a group of performers who play traditional and contemporary songs.
They performed in Portsoy to great acclaim eight years ago and will make their return.
They will be supported by The Wilsons, an a cappella band from northern England, who will deliver trad songs with great power and harmonies.
Former Stonehaven Folk Club stalwart Andy Popplestone, a fine guitarist and singer, will also be performing.
A tribute in song, poetry and film, will be held on Sunday afternoon to remember the late Hamish Henderson, poet, singer-songwriter, folklorist and cultural and political activist.
A new initiative, an art and music display, will take place in the former Grain Store by the Old Harbour, where artists Kate Wilson and Chris Adam will be displaying their works.
In addition, many informal sing-arounds and sessions are planned, as well as a fringe programme of performers and guests who will play across various venues in the town over the weekend.
Mr Philips added: “We are once again excited to bring a plethora of the best traditional performers to Portsoy for what has become a must attend event on the north-east’s traditional music calendar.
“I would like to record thanks from the club to our sponsors Kenway Tyres, Hydrasun, Hamlyns of Scotland, The Station Hotel Portsoy, Portsoy 75 Club and Portsoy Thrift Shop, as well as each business and individual who offers their support in enabling us to bring top class international acts to Portsoy for all to enjoy.”
Further information on all Folk at the Salmon Bothy events is available at www.bothyfolk.org or on the Folk at the Salmon Bothy Facebook page.
Enquiries and ticket requests should go to Bob Philips at bobportsoy@gmail.com, or by telephone, 07968872217.
