Stevenson Highlights Scottish Traditional Boat Festival in Portsoy

The spectacular success of the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival in Portsoy was highlighted today [Thursday] in a Scottish Government debate by Stewart Stevenson, SNP MSP for Banffshire & Buchan Coast.

To mark the national Homecoming 2014 celebrations Mr Stevenson praised the volunteers that have created a festival that over 21 years has grown from a few hundred visitors to tens of thousands worldwide.

He said:

“For a community like Portsoy this is quite simply the best thing that will happen there. It is a talking point all the year round – the population multiplies by 20 and the media descends on Portsoy, which this year is like a Scotland in miniature.

“It highlights the enthusiasm of the community and the energy of local volunteers who believe in their event. They give their time freely and generate a significant part of the £50m expected to be generated by this year’s Homecoming, sustaining economic viability for the area.

“This is a world renowned event attracting people from every corner of the globe.

“In a rural area like Portsoy if we did not have the Boat Festival we would have to invent it.”

The Scottish Traditional Boat Festival in Portsoy takes place from 27-29 June and includes a variety of cultural events including music from Celtic Connection award winners RURA, food and drink from the region including Portsoy’s Glenglassaugh malt whisky, sailing events and craft workshops.

For more information on the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival in Portsoy go to http://www.stbfportsoy.com/