Tuesday 1 December 2015

In memory of Reston Garbutt

On 1st December 1915, James Reston Gardiner Garbutt joined the ranks of Portsoy's war casualties.  He was the son of William Milne Garbutt and Elizabeth Gardiner and in 1911 had graduated MB ChB from Aberdeen University.  He was serving in the Royal Army Medical Corps in France when he was killed in action at the age of 26.  He is commemorated by a gravestone at Vermelles British Cemetery, Pas de Calais.

Casualty Record Detail

Sunday 22 November 2015

Craft Fair

Our annual craft fair will be held on Saturday 28 November, Upstairs at the Bothy from 10 - 3 pm.  There will be a variety of stalls.  Refreshments will be served.

Saturday 7 November 2015

High Heels and Horse Hair

Come to High Heels and Horse Hair at the Salmon Bothy tomorrow, Sunday at 4pm.  It is part of the Sound Festival and should proove to be an excellent concert.

Tonight's Concert

Tonight's concert has been cancelled.  Please let everyone know.

Friday 25 September 2015

Heavy hearts in Portsoy

On 25th September we remember four young Portsoy men who lost their lives in the battle of Loos.  

Alexander Kemp, Pte S/7739 served in the 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders.  Aged 30, he was the son of Mary Morrison, who lived at 11 Aird Street in Portsoy.

The remaining three casualties all belonged to the 6th Battalion Gordon Highlanders.  

Pte 11249 Andrew Gibson McKerrow, the son of Isabella Benzie, was just 20 years of age when he fell in action.  

William McKimmie, Pte 1466, who lived at 25 Church Street in Portsoy, was 22 years old.

Pte 952 John James Robertson was aged 28 and had lived at 58 Aird Street with his parents James & Margaret Robertson.

All are commemorated on the Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais, France.

Casualty Record Detail

Tuesday 22 September 2015

In memory of Pte James Main

James Main was the son of Mrs Jane Main, who lived at 24 Chapel Street in Portsoy.  He served at Pte 10/1901 in the Wellington Regiment, New Zealand Expeditionary Force and was wounded while fighting at Gallipoli.  He died of his wounds in London on 22nd September 1915, aged 23 years.

James is commemorated by a marble Commonwealth War Graves Commission stone in Fordyce Old Kirkyard and on the Portsoy town war memorial.





Thursday 10 September 2015

Film Meeting - 16 September, 7pm, Upstairs at the Bothy.

The Salmon Bothy has acquired its own set of film projection equipment.  They want to use it to its full potential.  To this end a meeting is called on Wednesday 16 September at 7pm, Upstairs at the Bothy.  Everyone is welcome.

Sunday 30 August 2015

Charles Shand, RMA 12829

On this day we remember the sacrifice of Charles Grant Black Shand, who was just 20 years old when he lost his life on 30th August 1915.  Charles served as a gunner in the Royal Marine Artillery on board HMS "Swiftsure" which saw action in the Dardanelles.  He was born in Portsoy and his family lived at 23 Durn Road, before moving to Moray.  His aunt, Mary Elizabeth Grant, is known to have lived at 77 Clifton Road, Lossiemouth.

Charles is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Casualty Record Detail

Monday 17 August 2015

Family history drop-in session

For this week only, our family history drop-in session will take place from 10 to 12 noon on Friday 21st August instead of the usual afternoon slot.  If you (or anyone you know) would be interested in finding out about your local roots, come along to the Salmon Bothy and get advice from our professional genealogist!

Sunday 9 August 2015

Portsoy remembers James Leslie, Pte 4/8936 Durham Light Infantry

Today, 9th August, marks the anniversary of the death of James Leslie, a native of Portsoy.  James was serving with the 2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry when he lost his life at the age of 41.  He left behind a widow, Matilda Leslie, who was living at 38, Bedford St, Edinburgh.

James is commemorated at the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres, Belgium.

Casualty Record Detail

Sunday 2 August 2015

Remembering the fallen: Alexander McWilliam

Pte S/9351 Alexander McWilliam, serving in the 1st Gordon Highlanders, fell in action on 2nd August 1915.  He was the son of James McWilliam whose home was at 3, North High Street, Portsoy.

Alexander's grave lies at the Chester Farm Cemetery at Ypres in Belgium, where over 400 casualties are commemorated.

Casualty Record Detail

Wednesday 15 July 2015

CURIOS about Portsoy: come and see the results!

The Salmon Bothy has been working with a team from the dot.rural project at Aberdeen University to develop an online cultural heritage resource for Portsoy and the surrounding area.  With input from a small number of volunteers we have gathered  material centred on the 1861 census and local WW1 casualties.  The CURIOS team have now brought together our data in a form which can be made available online and this will be demonstrated to all those interested at the Salmon Bothy on Wednesday 22nd July at 7pm.

The huge advantages of this resource are its flexibility and potential.  We have started with a small amount of information about individual families, but there is scope to share knowledge about many other aspects of local heritage, such as buildings, businesses and organisations.  Images and audio or video clips can also be used to complement and enhance written material.

The Portsoy community has been fortunate to benefit from the skills and funding made available through the dot.rural project.  We now have a unique opportunity to build on what has already been achieved and create something which will serve as a valuable tool for anyone interested in Portsoy's heritage.

Please come along to the Salmon Bothy at 7pm on Wednesday 22nd July and find out more!  Tea and coffee will be available on arrival.

Saturday 11 July 2015

Merchant Navy crew lists

An invaluable online resource is now available for researchers whose ancestors served in the Merchant Navy in 1915.  The National Archives and the National Maritime Museum have completed a project to transcribe Crew Lists and Agreements for 1915, creating a database which names almost a million seamen who served in the Merchant Navy.  Although images of the original records are not available, it possible to search the transcriptions using personal names or the name of a vessel.  Perhaps the best news of all is that there is no charge for access to this information!

Tuesday 7 July 2015

Family history advice

Do you have an ancestral connection to the north-east of Scotland?  Would you like expert advice on how to go about researching your roots in this area?  Then come along to Portsoy Salmon Bothy, where our local genealogy professional will be on hand to provide guidance.

Sessions run each Friday throughout July and August from 2pm to 4pm.  No need to book - just drop in to the wee bothy.

This service is offered in conjunction with Gene Genie Scotland  


Wednesday 17 June 2015

James C. Forbes

Our thoughts today go to James C. Forbes, Pte 1226 Gordon Highlanders, who was 21 years of age when he lost his life near Ypres on 17th June 1915.  James was the son of William & Agnes Forbes, who farmed at Cowhythe, Portsoy.  He is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial at Ypres, Belgium and on the memorial at Portsoy School.


Tuesday 9 June 2015

In memory of Alexander Gray

On this day we remember the loss of Alexander Gray.  At the age of 18 Alexander was serving in the Royal Naval Reserve when, on 9th June 1915, he died of wounds sustained in action in the Dardanelles.  A gravestone is dedicated to him at Mudros in Greece and he is also commemorated on the family gravestone in Portsoy cemetery.  Alexander was the son of John and Maggie Gray who lived at Muir of Glassaugh, Fordyce.

Casualty Record Detail

Thursday 4 June 2015

Remembering Hector Guthrie

One hundred years on, Portsoy remembers Hector M. Guthrie, Lieutenant in the Lancashire Fusiliers.  After graduating with 1st Class Honours from Aberdeen University, he was 22 years of age when he became a casualty of the Gallipoli campaign on 4th June 1915.  He is commemorated on the Helles Memorial as well as in Aberdeen University Roll of Honour.  Hector’s parents, James & Bella Guthrie, lived in Roseacre Street, Portsoy.

Casualty Record Detail

Wednesday 27 May 2015

Robert MacDonald

Today we reflect on the tragic event which claimed the life of Robert MacDonald, Sub-Lieutenant in the Royal Navy.  Robert, aged 39, was one of hundreds of casualties following an explosion on board the minelayer “Princess Irene” on 27th May 1915.  Although not named on the Portsoy town memorial, he is commemorated on the family gravestone in Portsoy cemetery, which identifies his parents as Robert MacDonald and Margaret Burgess.  Robert is also remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.  




Monday 25 May 2015

Museum summer opening

Beginning this week, we are pleased to announce new opening hours for the summer season.  As of Thursday 28th May, the museum will open to visitors from 2pm to 4pm on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.  We also have a wonderful selection of new merchandise to suit every pocket!

Saturday 16 May 2015

In memory of James Grant Gray and Donald Stuart

One hundred years on, Portsoy war casualties James Grant Gray and Donald Stuart are present in our thoughts.  Both young men were on active service with the Gordon Highlanders when they lost their lives on 16th May 1915.  Both are commemorated on the LeTouret memorial in Pas de Calais, France. 

James Grant Gray, Pte 909, Gordon Highlanders was aged 23 at the time of his death.  His parents were William Ker Gray, Glenboyne, Portsoy, Banffshire, and Christina McKechnie Gray.


Donald Stuart, Pte 1470, 6th Battalion Gordon Highlanders was the son of James & Annie Stuart of Cultain, Fordyce and was only 17 when he was killed.  His name is absent from the Portsoy town memorial but he is commemorated on the family gravestone in Portsoy cemetery.  

Sunday 10 May 2015

Film Night, Thursday 14th May

This month's film is "The 100 Foot Journey" starring Helen Mirren.  As a rather upmarket chef who runs a restaurant in France, she is initially horrified when an Asian family set up an establishment just down the street.  Everything is about to change, with very amusing consequences.

To avoid disappointment, get your ticket in advance for just £5 from the usual local outlets.

Screening time is 7pm.


Friday 24 April 2015

William McCulloch

Today Portsoy remembers William A McCulloch, Pte 27289, serving in the Canadian Infantry 15th Battalion, who was killed in action near Ypres on 24th April 1915, at the age of 31.  His father, John McCulloch, was a draper at 13 Aird Street.  William is commemorated on the Menin Gate memorial at Ypres.

Sunday 29 March 2015

New season at the museum


The Salmon Bothy museum re-opens this week for the Easter holiday weekend!  Opening hours are 2 - 4pm on Friday 3rd, Saturday 4th, Sunday 5th and Monday 6th April.

Throughout April and May opening times will be 2 - 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays.  Our friendly volunteers will be delighted to welcome you!

Friday 27 March 2015

Film Night, Thursday 2nd April

Paddington (the movie) is coming to Portsoy  just in time for the Easter holidays!  Thursday 2nd April, 7pm at the Salmon Bothy.  Tickets from usual outlets are just £5 and come with guaranteed Easter treats!

Wednesday 18 March 2015

William Littlejohn, casualty of WW1

On this day we reflect on the sacrifice of William Littlejohn, Gunner 2014 in the Royal Garrison Artillery (34th), who died of his injuries on 18th March 1915 at the Royal Military Hospital, Isle of Wight.  He left behind a widowed wife, Jane Morrison, Chapel Street, Portsoy.  His grave can be found in Portsoy’s old burial ground.

Friday 13 March 2015

Book Festival

An exciting weekend is coming up - the second Book Festival.

Have a look on the website for details.

Please support us with this venture.

James Williamson, war casualty

Today we remember James Williamson, Pte 1465, 6th Battalion Gordon Highlanders, a casualty of the battle of Neuve Chapelle.  James was the son of J. Williamson, gamekeeper at Glassaugh, Fordyce, and was aged just 19 when he died on 13th March 1915.  He is named on the memorial at Le Touret in Pas de Calais, France.

Wednesday 25 February 2015

Jack's 80th Birthday

Jack Elliott is one of our committed volunteers at the Bothy.  He is 80 next Thursday.  To celebrate him we are having a film night.  We would love the regular film goers at the Bothy to join us. The film is 'What we did on holiday' with Billy Connolly.  There will be drinks, snacks, and cake.  The price is £7.
Phone Moya on 01261 843296 to secure a seat.

Tuesday 10 February 2015

Portsoy mourns John McWilliam & James Morrison

On this day we remember the sacrifice made by John McWilliam, Pte 906, 6th Battalion Gordon Highlanders and by James A. Morrison, L/Cpl 971, also 6th Battalion Gordon Highlanders.  Both were killed in action on 10th February 1915.

John McWilliam lived at Backgreen, Portsoy, and James Morrison lived at 3, Culbert Street, Portsoy.

They are both commemorated at the Rue Petillon cemetery , Fleurbaix, Pas de Calais, France.


Sunday 25 January 2015

Scots Night

The volunteers had a grand Scots Night on Friday.  Haggis,  neeps and tatties followed by trifle was provided by the Shore Inn.  There followed a programme of entertainment.








An enjoyable time was held by all.

Robert J. Gordon

Today we remember Portsoy war casualty Robert J. Gordon, Pte 10013, 1st Scots Guards, the son of Jessie Thomson (formerly Gordon), 182 Newlands Road, Cathcart, Glasgow.  He was 24 years old when he fell in action on 25th January 1915.  He is commemorated on the Le Touret memorial, Pas de Calais, France.