COMPETITION: family tickets to Scottish Traditional Boat Festival in Portsoy
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
TRIBUTE has been paid to the volunteers who play a crucial role in the ACE Winches Scottish Traditional Boat Festival.
Around 15,000 visitors are expected to attend the festival in Portsoy on the weekend of July 1-2.
The event will celebrate its 30th anniversary with heritage boats from across the country plotting a course for the coastal village.
There will be music and dance, the finest Scottish food and drink and traditional craft demonstrations and unique handmade items and gifts.
Chairman David Urquhart said: “The festival is organised by 25 volunteers who give up their time to bring the whole event together.
"Volunteers play a crucial role and we rely heavily on local people to come forward to get involved in the lead up to, and during the festival."
Celtic rock band Skerryvore – fresh from performing in the USA, Australia, Canada and Europe – will kick off the weekend as the headline act of the Big Gig on the Back Green on Friday, June 30.
“Our musical line-up this year includes big names such as Skerryvore and RhythmnReel alongside local groups, artists and performers," added Mr Urquhart.
The music programme features renowned groups and local artists, including Cullen-based duo Fair Trickit with their self-penned songs.
"Younger visitors will also be able to enjoy a wide range of activities and entertainment, so the event really has something for all ages and interests.”
The iconic Reaper, a 19th century Fifie Sailing Herring Drifter will make her maiden voyage back to the festival, following long and extensive restoration and repair works.
A rare survivor of the golden age of sail, Reaper is owned by the Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther, Fife and is one of few vessels in the UK’s National Historic Fleet, which is still in seagoing condition.
Visitors will be able to climb aboard to experience what life was like at sea over 100 years ago. The maritime programme is sponsored by Glenglassaugh Distillery.
Skip 2 the Beat will bring their fast-paced skipping stunts and the Anne McArthur Dancers will perform Highland country dancing routines.
Younger visitors can enjoy a range of fun activities including trampolining, segways and the Tam O’Shanter land train.
There will be a raft race on the Saturday afternoon, where teams of three compete to cross the harbour in homemade rafts.
The festival is also sponsored by Puffin Pellets, Hamlyns of Scotland, Macduff Shipyards, Portsoy Thrift Shop, Twice Buried Rum Co, Moray West, Urquhart Joinery Services and Gray Composting Services.
Tickets are discounted when purchased in advance online, to book visit www.stbfportsoy.org.
We have FOUR family weekend festival passes to give away. For your chance to win, just answer the following question.
How many years has the ACE Winches Scottish Traditional Boat Festival been running?
1. 20
2. 30
3. 40
To enter, please put HNM Competition in the subject box and send your answer along with your name and email to competitions@stbfportsoy.org
