Population 1,734 (Census 2001) Country Scotland Post town BANFF Local time Friday 7:28 PM Dialling code 01261 UK parliament constituency Banff and Buchan | OS grid reference NJ589660 Sovereign state United Kingdom Postcode district AB45 Council area Aberdeenshire Lieutenancy area Aberdeenshire | |
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Weather 9°C, Wind W at 6 km/h, 68% Humidity Scottish parliament Banffshire and Buchan Coast | ||
Scottish boat festival portsoy
Portsoy (Scottish Gaelic: Port Saoidh) is a village in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
Contents
Map of Portsoy, Banff, UK
The original name may come from Port Saoithe, meaning "saithe harbour".
Portsoy is located on the Moray Firth Coast of North East Scotland, 50 miles North West of Aberdeen & 65 miles East of Inverness. It had a population of 1752 persons at the time of the 2011 census.
Portsoy is known for local jewellery made from "Portsoy marble" (which is not marble, but rather serpentine). The Scottish Traditional Boat Festival, started in 1994, occurs annually, which is worth over £4 million to the local economy.
History
From the 16th century until 1975, Portsoy was in the civil and religious parish of Fordyce. It lost its status as a burgh in 1975 and became a part of the District of Banff And Buchan. In 1996 administration was transferred to the Aberdeenshire council area.
The "Old" Harbour dates to the 17th century and is the oldest on the Moray Firth. The "New" Harbour was built in 1825 for the growing herring fishery, which at its peak reached 57 boats.
Education
Portsoy Primary School provides education for children from age 3 in ante-pre-school class through to age 12 in Primary 7 (P7). The school dates from the 1800s but has been expanded and modernised.
Portsoy also has a public library and the Portsoy Salmon Bothy serves as a museum, exhibition space and multipurpose venue.