A feast of the finest local fare awaits at Portsoy’s Scottish Traditional Boat Festival which returns this weekend for its 30th anniversary.
Running on Saturday (July 1) and Sunday (July 2), a range of artisan producers, award-winning products and global flavours will be on display in the festival Food Fayre on the Back Green as well as at Portsoy Harbour.
Aberdeen Angus beef and handmade pies are just some of the delectable delights that festivalgoers can enjoy across the weekend.
Locally produced rum, whisky, gin and freshly pressed apple juice will also be available.
With such a stellar (and lengthy) number of food and drink businesses on the menu at this year’s Scottish Traditional Boat Festival, I have decided to list those that I recommend trying out above all.
Haydn’s Woodfired Pizza
Location: Portsoy Harbour
Pizza fans rejoice, for Haydn’s Woodfired Pizza – 0wned by Robert Fenton and assisted by his wife Deborah – are among the businesses confirmed to be making an appearance.
What’s on the cards? You guessed it, pizza.
The business has been running since 2017 and it’s safe to say they have perfected their recipes.
While the list of pizza flavours won’t be known until the days of the festival, expect a variety of topping choices to suit all tastes.
Wark Farm Pies
Location: Food Fayre
From classic beef and onion pie made with aged, belted Galloway beef to the ultimate classic pork pie or lush lamb and prune pie, Wark Farm Pies are handcrafted using their own secret recipe, hot water and pastry.
Using locally sourced ingredients, the pies are made on the team’s farm in Alford.
Head to the business’ stall for a wholesome pick me up. But be sure to visit early doors as Wark Farm Pies are known to sell out fast. I know this from experience.
Twice Buried Rum Co
Location: Food Fayre
A taste of the Caribbean can be found at the Twice Buried Rum Co stand.
Distilled in Aberdeenshire, it features a blend of local botanicals including strawberries from Barra Berries, honey produced by Deeside Honey, salted caramel, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
It has a unique flavour and an intriguing story to tell, so be sure to catch up with owner Kevin Bonarius at the stall.
Portsoy Ice Cream
Location: Seafield Street, Portsoy
Family-run firm Portsoy Ice Cream has been a go-to parlour for locals and tourists alike over the years.
It is renowned for its award-winning ice cream, which is available in a variety of flavours including salted caramel, pistachio, smooth strawberry, and more.
However, you can also bag a locally-sourced range of fresh fruit, vegetables, baked goods and dairy items to waffles and hot chocolates.
Zingy Tingy Beetroot
Location: Food Fayre
Zingy-Tingy Beetroot returns with its range of delicious pickled onions, beetroot and cabbage.
Business owner Nic Flavell established the business during lockdown using a secret family recipe which dates back to 1850.
The products are made at his home in Westhill and are a must try.
Glenglassaugh
Location: Harbour Marquee
Back down at the harbour, you’ll stumble across a Glenglassaugh (pronounced Glen-gla-ssoch) stall in the harbour marquee – and whisky fans are sure to be dropping in to see what’s on offer.
Founded in 1875 in Portsoy itself, the brand recently unveiled its new range of spirits.
Seafood Bothy
Location: Portsoy Harbour
In my eyes, few things are better than tucking into locally sourced seafood by the seaside.
If you agree, then you’ll have to head over to Seafood Bothy to tuck into a dish (or two).
Expect anything from crab toasties and quesadillas to monstrous brioche rolls packed with lobster and prawns.
The Green Cocoa Team
Location: Food Fayre
Residing in the outskirts of St Fergus, Rachel Widger launched The Green Cocoa Team in the spring of 2021.
Dark Belgian chocolate, which is naturally dairy and gluten-free, is used to make the firm’s range of indulgent handmade dark chocolate truffles and creams.
When I caught up with the entrepreneur two years ago, her portfolio included 10 different flavours of truffle. But with Rachel adding new flavours on a monthly basis, expect much more.
Snochery Jocks
Location: Food Fayre
North East Food and Drink Awards finalist Snochery Jocks will have its delicious small batch oatcakes and shortbreads available to buy.
Handmade by grandad Allan Smith from his home kitchen in Kintore, Snockery Jocks’ oatcakes are made from his late mum’s special recipe and are rising in popularity.
They came third in the World Oatcake Championships.
The Ellon Spirit Company
Location: Food Fayre
Kieren Murphy launched Ellon Gin in December 2019 due to his interest in the science behind making alcohol. However, he decided to transform his brand’s identity last year to take on the spirit market.
Alcohol and fruit liqueurs will be available from The Ellon Spirit Company at the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival.
Strawberry, raspberry, rhubarb and lemon gin liqueurs can be purchased, along with the business’ latest products – cherry gin and pineapple liqueur. How amazing do they sound?
Paella Escocia
Location: Portsoy Harbour
Traditional paella flavours using local and Spanish ingredients are at the heart of Paella Escocia’s offering.
The street food vendor, launched by Steven Jaffray and his wife Mariesha, has been wowing crowds at various events in recent years.
Different paellas that may be available include chicken and chorizo and seafood, while vegan and veggie varieties will be on offer too.
Kilted Fudge Company
Location: Food Fayre
Fancy something sweet? Well, the Kilted Fudge Company has got you covered.
You’ll be spoilt for choice as the range of inviting fudge flavours is extensive.
Having purchased a number of products from the business at farmers’ markets in the past, I would highly recommend the classic vanilla or Skittles fudge.
Information
The Food Fayre at the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival is sponsored by Gray Composting Services Ltd.
Other event sponsors include ACE Winches, Glenglassaugh, Puffin Wood Fuels, Moray West, Macduff Shipyards, Portsoy Thrift Shop, Urquhart Joinery Services, Twice Buried Rum Co, Portsoy 75 Club and Hamlyns of Scotland Oatmeal.
Entry to the festival is discounted when purchased in advance online. For a day festival pass, the prices are £15.30 for an adult, £9.90 concession and £6.30 for a child.
Alternatively, a family day pass can be purchased for £35.10 or an adult weekend pass is £19.80. A weekend family pass for access to the festival on Saturday and Sunday is £45.00.
Tickets can be purchased on the festival website here.
