Thursday 28 November 2013

Events

Look out for two events at the Salmon Bothy.

Moira Miller will give the last of this series of talks this Sunday afternoon  (1st December) at 2.30 pm.  She has an amazing collection of postcards and will talk about them.

The Muppet Christmas Story is at the Bothy on Saturday 7 December at 10 am.  


Thursday 21 November 2013

Sunday Talk

The Sunday Talks continue this week with Milan Copic as the speaker.  Vinay has had to pull out due for personal reasons and has nominated Milan to take over.  Do come and support him.

Tuesday 19 November 2013

Nora B. Watt

I have just had the privilege to meet our youngest volunteer,  Nora Birdy Watt for the first time.  
She was born on Monday 21st October, 2013 in Dr Grays Hospital, Elgin. 
She will be at our Volunteers get together in the Bothy on Thursday 12 December.  

Thursday 14 November 2013

The Muppet Christmas Show

The last film of the year comes to the Salmon Bothy on Saturday 7 December at 10.00.  It is the Muppet Christmas Show.  The price is £5 and includes a family sized bag of popcorn.

Tuesday 12 November 2013

The Iranian Feast

Come along to the last of our live theatre productions of the year is in the Church Hall this Saturday, 16 November 2013 at 5 pm.  It is called The Iranian Feast.  It is followed by Iranian style food.

Talk at the Bothy

If you remember the Bothy Nights on Grampian Television you will remember the tin whistler, Alex Green.  He and Madeleine now live in Portknockie and he often performs at the Boat Festival.  This week's talk features Alex and Madeleine.  It is Upstairs at the Bothy at 2.30 pm.

Wednesday 6 November 2013

The Muckle Wife and her Neighbours - Place Names around Troup.

Come to the bothy on Sunday afternoon at 2.30 pm to hear Jenny McKay talk on the meaning of place names in our area.  Jenny is from Perth but is married to Alex McKay from Sandend.

Wednesday 30 October 2013

Events at the Bothy

There are two events coming up this week.

Hallowe'en, Upstairs @the Bothy

The classic film - Whisky Galore
Whisky courtesy of Glenglassaugh
Shortbread courtesy of Walkers
£5

Saturday 2 November
Christmas Craft Fair
Upstairs @ the Bothy
From 10.00

Saturday 26 October 2013

Whisky Galore

Come to the Bothy on Thursday evening for a classic film - Whisky Galore.  There will be whisky tasting courtesy of Glenglassaugh Distillary and shortbread courtesy of Walkers.  It is a snip at £5.

Tuesday 8 October 2013

Bothy Films

After the success of English Vinglish at the Bothy last Thursday, put the following date in your diary.

Monday 14 October
Wreck it Ralph  2pm

Monday 14 October
English Vinglish  6pm

Tuesday 15 October
Wreck it Ralph  10am

Monday 7 October 2013

Idiot at the Wall


There was a good turnout in the Town Hall yesterday for the production of The Idiot at the Wall.  Great pancakes supplied by Hutcheson's of Portsoy.

Indian Themed Night

£777 was taken at the Indian Themed Night.  Jams and Jellies are being sold at the Chemist.  This may take in another £70 - £80.  Thanks Vinay.

Thanks for the support.

Friday 4 October 2013

The morning after

It's the morning after our Indian Themed Night.  We had a great turn out.  The food went down really well - lamb, mince, chicken and veggie curries with rice followed by apple pie and chocolate roulade. This was followed by the comedy drama - English Vinglish.  Bothy has still to be tidied and money counted.  Thanks to everyone who helped.

Tuesday 1 October 2013

4* Award

The Salmon Bothy Museum has been awarded 4* by Visit Scotland during the summer.  Congratulations to the Bothy Sub Group and the small group of volunteers at the Bothy.

Indian Night

Just returned from the Bothy.  We had a training session on the film equipment.  The screen will be 10' x6'.  It is a blue ray dvd.  Quality is really good.  There are new soft chairs donated by the Thrift Club.

Remember Thursday 3 October @ 7.  Indian food followed by English Vinglish.

Friday 27 September 2013

Macmillan Coffee Morning

Wendy, the Pilates teacher at the Bothy organised the Macmillan Coffee Morning in the Town Hall this morning.  There was a great turn out and £1800 was raised.  Well done to all who contributed in any way.

Tuesday 24 September 2013

English Vinglish


A Bollywood night at the Bothy on 3 October @ 7.

The first of the film nights - English Vinglish
Indian food.  

Tickets - £10 for Books Abroad

What's on in Portsoy?

Soy Arts Theatre

The Idiot at the Wall on 6 October, 2013 @ 3 in the Town Hall.

September 1918.  A Hebridean Island.

The story of two sisters sees a traditional way of life struggle against the encroachment of the modern world and challenges us to consider the power of prophecy over reason.  Gaelic songs and music of the period performed live by the cast , enrich this production of a beautifull haunting tale.

Sunday 22 September 2013

Open Doors

The Bothy had over 40 visitors on Open Doors Day yesterday.  The feedback was very positive.  Most people took the opportunity to put a donation into the salmon's mouth.  Thanks to all the volunteers for their help.

Friday 30 August 2013

Indian Themed Night

Dr Anne McArthur is going to India in October with Books Abroad.

Books Abroad promotes literacy, education and understanding, which provide the means of a sustainable escape route from the plight of poverty.  They recycle used books by sending them to schools and other institutions in developing countries.  

You are invited to join her in a fundraising activity - an Indian Themed Night, Upstairs at the Salmon Bothy on Thursday 3 October, 2013 from 7pm - 10pm.   There will be curries and accompaniments.  Bring your own bottle.  Afterwards there will be the showing of the film - English Vinglish.  

A £10 minimum donation is requested for Books Abroad.

Film Time @ the Bothy

There is to be a new venture Upstairs at the Bothy this winter.  In collaboration with NEAT FLICKS four films are to be shown between now and Christmas.  The first film will be English Vinglish, a comedy drama in cinema from November 2012.  It is hoped also to show Whiskey Galore, Wreck-It Ralph for youngsters and Muppet Christmas Carol.


Thursday 29 August 2013

Volunteers Day Oot



The Bothy Volunteers had a Day Oot.  They travelled on the Scout Bus to Elgin Museum, the Ice House @ Spey Bay and Fochabers Museum.  Each museum had its own ethos and was enjoyed by the group.  At the end of the day the group visited the Land Girls Memorial at Clochan.  A great day was had by all.


Len and Moya putting the world to rights at the Ice House.


Alison and Brian about to enjoy a sandwich at the cafe in Spey Bay.


The group at the cafe in Spey Bay.


The Ice House @ Spey Bay.


Looking up country towards the railway bridge at Spey Bay.


The estuary of the River Spey.


The beach at Spey Bay.


Arriving at the Land Girl Memorial.


The Land Girl Memorial at Clochan.


The group at the Land Girl Memorial.


A happy group ready for supper at the Cullen Bay Hotel.

Thursday 18 July 2013

Summer time at the Bothy

Take a stroll down memory lane with our Seafield Street Exhibition "Butcher, Baker and Candlestick Maker' Upstairs at the Bothy.  Do remember buying your first set of earrings from Leys the Jeweller, or a bathing suit from Robertson's? Come re-live the magic of Portsoy's bustling street with photos old and new capturing how the street has evolved over the years. This exhibition will remain up until the end of August and we would like to invite people to contribute any photos stories, memories that you may have. Just pop in during the normal Museum opening hours.


Drop-In Sessions at the SALMON BOTHY throughout the summer
2013 Dates:
Wednesdays 
24th July
7th and 21st August 
4th and 18th Sept

Sundays
14th and 28th July 
11th and 25th Aug 
8th and 22nd Sept


Folk at the Salmon Bothy

Friday July 19th
Folk at the Salmon Bothy 
3rd Friday Club Night ~ Open Mic
Upstairs at the Salmon Bothy - Portsoy
Doors Open 7pm ~ £3

Saturday July 20thFrom the USA - The Hot Seats
5 piece Red Hot Old Time/Bluegrass Band ~ "Full of virtuosity and reverent irreverence, they are a sight to behold.” - Relix Magazine
Upstairs at the Salmon Bothy
Doors Open 7pm ~ £10 (£8 conc)

Friday Aug 16thFolk at the Salmon Bothy
3rd Friday Club Night ~ Open Mic
Upstairs at the Salmon Bothy
Doors Open 7pm ~ £3

Saturday Aug 31stAlan Reid and Rob Van Sante ~
Ex-Battlefield Band mates on road.
Upstairs at the Salmon Bothy
Doors Open 7pm ~ £10 (£8 conc)

Friday Sept 20thFolk at the Salmon Bothy ~
3rd Friday Club Night ~ Open Mic
Upstairs at the Salmon Bothy
Doors Open 7pm ~ £3

Go to Folk Club Website>>


 

Tuesday 21 May 2013

Information about Shops and Services on Seafield Street Portsoy WANTED!

The Salmon Bothy is organising an exhibition of the Shops and Services on Portsoy's Seafield St. The exhibition will feature mainly visual content - such as photographs, written information, adverts, newspaper articles and reminiscences.

We would like to hear from anyone who has information they can to contribute. This can be posted on Facebook Salmon Bothy or Portsoy Past and Present, or emailed to Leanne Watt on leanne@salmonbothy.org.uk, or we can arrange a meeting at the Salmon Bothy or somewhere convenient.

A shared spreadsheet has been created on google documents that anyone can access and add to by clicking the following link. The spreadsheet shows present day shops, and the idea is to populate it with information of the shops going back through the years.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AiSygIl9zB9vdHdyQkFBaFZpd2F2UmNsNmxlTWJJYWc&usp=sharing

The Exhibition will be on over the summer break ‘Upstairs at the Bothy.’

Tuesday 7 May 2013

The Grand Re-opening of the Salmon Bothy Museum!

Wow what a fantastic weekend!  A grand re-opening of our museum brought people from far and wide to see our new revamped ice chambers with new artifacts, information and photographs on display.  Fishing is the theme that runs throughout, the salmon fishing that took place from this very building and the herring fishing that was once a thriving industry here in Portsoy and later many fishing lassies travelled from here following the herring for their livelihood.

We were honoured to have Mr David Gordon of the popular local publication the Knock News to come and cut the ribbon.   We were then treated to freshly baked pancakes and jam upstairs by Liz Ashworth and Letty's Preserves.  There was more for people to see upstairs at the Bothy with an exhibition of work by the users groups.

Fantastic examples of workmanship is on display from Photography to Knitting to Boat building and painting as well as projects by the Family History group, Portsoy Past and Present and the local Soy Arts and Theatre.
 This week we kicked off with the Bothy Knitters in full swing offering a taster session to the public.  Anyone with an interest in knitting was invited to come along and join in. Liz Ashworth returned to do a fantastic Cullen Skink Lunch for us which unbelievably was made with a coconut based alternative to cows milk and it was delicious! She also had toasted pulsetta rolls courtesy of Ross' the Bakery who are now doing a new gluten  free range.  See two happy customers below.

Today we had Portsoy Primary School children having a taste of boat building and rope making with PORT http://www.salmonbothy.org.uk/port.html.   Thursday morning will see the photographers come together for some tuition from Amy Davenport.  Friday we will have Family Historians for a session on research sources and family trees with Genealogist Alison Smith followed by Art and Calligraphy with resident art teacher Jack Elliot.  If you would like to come along to any of these groups take a look at www.salmonbothy.org.uk/whatson.html or contact us at contact@salmonbothy.org.uk

Wednesday 6 March 2013

Archives on your Doorstep

On Friday 15th March the Bothy will host an exhibition of unique historic records normally held by Aberdeenshire Archives.  A variety of material relating to Portsoy and Fordyce will be on display, with professional archivists on hand to answer questions and offer specialist advice.  Access to these records usually requires a visit to the public search rooms in Old Aberdeen, so this is an unmissable opportunity for anyone interested in local history to discover more about the rich heritage of the area.

Between 11am and 3pm visitors to the Salmon Bothy will have the chance to study a selection of archival material, much of it originating from the 19th century.  The range of records will include valuation rolls, which constitute a valuable source of information for investigating the history of homes and other properties, while electoral rolls and admission registers for local schools are guaranteed to arouse the interest of family historians.

Spring-time Speakers starts this weekend


Sunday's at 2.30pm - £3 entry Upstairs at the Salmon Bothy.

 
10th March - Pete Danks - Portsoy: A Community of Boatbuilders
The traditional art of Boatbuilding has undergone a revival in Portsoy. Pete will talk of the many interesting projects that are ongoing, offering people in and around Portsoy, of varying ages and experiences, the chance to learn a whole set of new skills…

17th March - Prof Ian Russell - 'The Sailing of the Boaties at Boddam: Community, Craft and Cultural Tradition'
Boaties' are a model-making skill unique to the North-East that dates back at least 150 years. They are based on the traditional Scottish herring lugger known as the 'fifie' and sail without rudder, motor, or remote control, depending on the skill of the maker/owner to trim the boat and set the sails appropriately. They are made in various sizes from 1ft 6ins to 4ft, but boats as large as 6ft have been made in the past. The centre for hand manufacture is Peterhead district, and, every summer in Boddam at the Den Dam, boaties are sailed competitively in various classes. Some of the boaties taking part go back many years, their hulls having been re-painted and re-fitted many times.
In this illustrated talk I plan to outline the history of this remarkable tradition, its role in the community, and how it has been documented and revitalised.

24th March - Lorna Summers - Salmon Fishing Comes to Portsoy Lorna completed an MLitt in Ethnology and Folklore studying Salmon Fishing, last Summer.  She undertook extensive research consulting with former salmon fishers to obtain an accurate picture of the industry on a local level through the ages. Lorna  has never been better placed to give us an insight into into Salmon Fishing and how it came to be such a thriving industry in Portsoy.

Thursday 31 January 2013

CURIOS about the past?


Local residents with connections to Portsoy and the parish of Fordyce are being offered the chance to take part in an imaginative project led by Aberdeen University researchers.  The aim of CURIOS is to preserve local heritage in rural communities through the use of digital media designed to share information about their cultural heritage.

The CURIOS team is working in partnership with Portsoy Salmon Bothy and a selection has already been made of local families based on gravestones in the cemetery at Portsoy.  A wealth of additional information relating to the same people is already held in the form of census data, photographs, newspaper reports and other types of records.  The success of the project now depends on finding folk willing to bring together all the available material.  Volunteers will work in small teams and each team will focus on just one family, collating relevant records for inclusion in a database which eventually will form the basis for a website dedicated to the history of Fordyce and Portsoy. 

“This is an unmissable opportunity for anyone interested in the history of our area”, said Alison Smith, genealogy co-ordinator at the Salmon Bothy.  “Everyone involved will be contributing to a unique resource which has the potential to put Fordyce and Portsoy on the map for family and local history”. 

The initial focus will be on just a few families:
James Badenoch (1839-1916) and his wife Mary Sutherland
Alexander Chalmers (1845-1927) and his wife Margaret Godsman
Charles A. Goodall (1882-1966) and his wife Margaret Rhind
George Gray (1889-1963) and his wife Ellen Robertson
James Irving (1854-1940) and his wife Maggie Wood
Herbert Laird (1900-1968) and his wife Elizabeth Russell
Alexander Leys (1850-1920) and his wife Marjory Merchant
Alexander McKenzie (1856-1947) and his wife Jane Robertson
William Milton (1840-1935) and his wife Elizabeth Ingram
Charles Nicol (1843-1903) and his wife Ann Wood
John Russell (1829-1915) and his wife Elizabeth Horne
Charles Watt (1850-1913) and his wife Jessie Gauld

“All the details collated will eventually be published online” added Alison,   “so we’d welcome help from anyone with a connection to these families.  Apart from contributing to a remarkable resource, everyone who takes part stands to discover long-lost relatives.” 

This innovative project is now ready to move onto the next phase, which will require volunteer input.  If you’re willing to get involved, please get in touch by phone (01261 842951) or by emailing contact@salmonbothy.org.uk. 

Wednesday 30 January 2013

Bothy Burns





The volunteers of the Salmon Bothy and Portsoy Past and Present were treated to an evening of fine food and entertainment on Friday with great haggis neaps and tatties from the Shore Inn.  Lorna Summers provided much fun and laughter with her doric poetry and traditional bothy ballads and songs by Tom and Maggie Spiers were enjoyed by all.  


The evening also honoured the work of two star volunteers who are sadly leaving Portsoy for pastures new next month. They were thanked for their truly outstanding contribution to the Bothy in particular to the management of the  museum collections and achievement of accreditation.  We will be very sad to see them go.