The 32nd Glenglassaugh Scottish Traditional Boat Festival sets sail for Portsoy on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th June 2025. An annual celebration of the north east’s maritime heritage, around 30 boats will drop anchor in the town’s 17th century harbour alongside a programme of live music and dance, Scottish food and drink and age-old crafts. Organisers of the event have issued a call for local people to ‘come aboard’ and join the volunteer crew, with a variety of roles on offer.
David Urquhart, chairman of the Glenglassaugh Scottish Traditional Boat Festival said, “Volunteers are an essential part of the delivery, and the success, of the annual festival. We rely on an army of local people coming forward to help us in the weeks leading up to, and during the event. There are a range of roles available in ticketing, administration, stewarding and marshalling our variety of activities.
“We are also looking for young people aged 16-18 to help with litter picking throughout the weekend. Each volunteer will receive a wristband and lunch on the days they are helping, as a thank you for their support. All volunteers will be given a training session and handbook, which outlines their responsibilities and requirements during the weekend. It is an ideal chance to get hands on experience as part of one of Scotland’s largest maritime events, whilst soaking up the festival’s great atmosphere and working within a team.”
The festival ticket office will open on Saturday 22nd June until Sunday 29th June and opportunities to support the ticketing team are available, with a range of hours and options available. To sign up as a volunteer please visit www.stbfportsoy.org.
Over 16,000 visitors from across Scotland attended the event last year to see the finest craft in the Scottish historic fishing fleet. Award-winning Scottish folk band, Manran will kick off the weekend as headliners of the Big Gig on the Back Green on Friday 27th June. Over the last 15 years they have played in over 30 different countries including the USA, Asia and Australia, where they were presented with International Artist of the Year at the Australian Celtic Music Awards. The band’s latest single Standing Still, has featured on the BBC Radio 2 playlist for the last few weeks. Tickets are on sale now at the early bird price of £27.50 on the festival website www.stbfportsoy.org.
A full music programme over the weekend will feature a host of music and dance performers, from local groups and talented artists to renowned bands. The craft fayre and coastal crafts areas will showcase a wide range of stunning handmade items including jewellery, ceramics, artwork, candles and bespoke wooden gifts and accessories. The Wally Green Kids’ Zone will have a range of activities and entertainment for younger visitors to enjoy.
Thanks to festival sponsors Glenglassaugh, Puffin Wood Fuels, Hamlyn’s of Scotland, Portsoy Thrift Shop, Portsoy 75 Club, Urquhart Joinery Services, Gray Composting Services Ltd, Messrs J Smiths Ltd and Camwater Ltd.
The 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
