Scottish Traditional Boat Festival

17/08/2026

FESTIVAL FEEDBACK ⚓️💙

We’d love to know what you thought of the 2026 Scottish Traditional Boat Festival.

It’s been a little while since we welcomed everyone to Portsoy, but we’d be grateful if you could take a few minutes to reflect on your festival experience and share your feedback by completing our short survey.

Following our consultation process, we introduced a number of changes and new features this year. Your views will help us understand what worked well, what you enjoyed most and where we can make further improvements as we plan future festivals.

📝 Have your say here: https://stbfportsoy.org/festival-survey/

Thank you to everyone who came along and supported the 2026 festival, your feedback really does help us shape what comes next. 💙

📸 Cally Taylor

17/07/2026

⛵️From Boat Festival to the Big Screen 🎥

Last year, we were delighted to welcome the crew of the Draken Harald Hårfagre to the festival while they were in the Moray Firth filming Christopher Nolan’s epic The Odyssey. ⚓️

The Draken Harald Hårfagre, the world’s largest modern Viking ship, has since become one of the stars of the epic film, making their visit to our festival even more special.

It was a pleasure to meet the crew and hear about their incredible journey. We’re proud to have played a small part in such a memorable chapter of their adventure. ⚓️🎬

https://www.grampianonline.co.uk/news/the-odyssey-ship-bosses-give-insider-account-of-filming-bloc-440167/

05/07/2026

01/07/2026

THANK YOU RICHARD

This week, we said goodbye to Richard Thorne, who has played an important role in both Portsoy Community Enterprise and the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival over the past six years.

Since moving to the Banffshire Coast from Mull, Richard has made a significant contribution as Development Manager, helping to secure funding, develop projects and build partnerships that have supported the work of PCE.

As Maritime Co-ordinator, Richard has supported in the organisation and delivery of the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival since 2020. He worked closely with coastal community groups, sailing crews and owners of traditional boats from across Scotland, helping to bring people together to celebrate and showcase the North East’s rich seafaring heritage. His knowledge, dedication and commitment were instrumental in the planning and coordination of the event, helping the festival continue to grow and welcome visitors and participants each year.

Richard’s hard work, commitment and knowledge have been greatly appreciated by the Board, staff, volunteers and the wider festival committee, and he will be greatly missed.

Thank you, Richard, for everything you’ve done. We wish you every success for the future.

Farewell, and fair winds.

28/06/2026

18/06/2026

Glenglassaugh Sandend Ice cream in the cabinet today! 🥃

Perfect treat for fathers day. 🫶🏼

17/06/2026

🏆 Best Boat Award – Marean KY120 🏆

The chairman of the festival, David Urquhart, presented the Best Boat Award for 2026 to Marean KY120.

Built in 1949 by Millers of St Monans for Mr Blackery of Crail, Marean is a traditional Scottish fishing vessel constructed from pitch pine on oak. Throughout her working life, she fished from ports around Scotland and the north-east coast of England, while also carrying mail to the Isle of May and the North Carr Lightship.

Following her conversion to sail in 2000, Marean later fell into disrepair before being rescued and restored by Bob Clunas in 2012, preserving an important piece of Scotland’s maritime heritage for future generations.

Since purchasing Marean in 2019, owner and custodian Billy Milne has maintained her to an exceptionally high standard. Recent painting and ongoing maintenance ensure that this beautiful vessel continues to look her best while remaining a living example of Scotland’s traditional fishing fleet. Thanks to Billy’s dedication and care, Marean continues to attend maritime festivals and events, proudly representing our rich seafaring heritage.

Now more than 75 years old, Marean is a rare survivor of the east coast fishing boats that once formed the backbone of Scotland’s coastal communities, making her a very worthy recipient of this year’s Chairman’s Award.

Congratulations to Billy and all those who have played a part in preserving this remarkable vessel.

📸 Pictured receiving the award are Billy Milne (far right), his son Ellis Milne (middle) and Scottish Traditional Boat Festival Chairman David Urquhart.

⛵👏

17/06/2026