Vikings landing at Portsoy’s historic harbour will kick-off this year’s boat festival.
The warriors, in defiance of a veto which bans them from the north-east, will meet Aberdeenshire Provost Hamish Vernal this morning ahead of the festival proper at the weekend.
Last night, the chairman of the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival, Roger Goodyear, said he was still waiting for a response from the Prime Minister about lifting the ban on Vikings.
An ancient law dating from the time of King Malcolm II, when his Norsemen and natives of the north-east clashed in the 11th century.
“When we discovered there was an ancient law banning Vikings from our area we contacted the prime minister and asked for his help in revoking the law,” Mr Goodyear added.
“It seems our plea has been overshadowed by the EU referendum but we want to publicly demonstrate to our Norse neighbours that they are our friends not our foes so are preparing a special welcome for them.
“The festival is attended by people from all over the world, and closer to home, and all visitors can be assured of a warm and friendly welcome and the very best of Scottish hospitality.”
Historic boats from across the UK and beyond are set to congregate at the 17th century harbour over the weekend, where the Vikings are among the billed attractions.
The festival runs until Sunday evening.
The UK’s longest water slide – called the Valkyries Slide – will also be set up at Loch Soy Adventure Park. It will be the first occasion that the 328ft slide has been seen in the north.
