Traditional wooden boat building in Portsoy
From a revival initiative in 2004 to a fully equipped community workshop on Portsoy's Old Harbour.
Portsoy's seafaring heritage runs deep; in the late 1800s skilled hands shaped timber into fishing vessels, while the Sail Loft at Back Green made sails and rope. In 2004 the Boat Festival Trust launched an initiative to revive wooden boatbuilding skills with local children and young people.
Since then, the volunteer team has built a varied fleet with people of all ages and abilities, including over 60 dinghies, curraghs, a North Sea faering, a St Ayles Skiff and a traditional salmon coble, with boatbuilding becoming part of the school curriculum.
With nearly half a million pounds of funding and support from Aberdeenshire Council, CARS and the European Fisheries Fund, derelict buildings beside the Old Harbour were transformed into the award-winning Boatshed. At its heart is a volunteer team who help people of all backgrounds learn practical skills and build confidence - anyone is welcome to join, no experience needed.
Get in touch to find out more or get involved.
