Portsoy 75 Club 50th Anniversary & Portsoy Thrift Shop 25th Anniversary Celebrations
Portsoy 75 Club is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025. In addition, Portsoy Thrift Shop is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year too.
As a thank you to the local community for the continued support and kindness shown to the two organisations, a community celebration event was held over the weekend of 29th, 30th & 31st August in Portsoy.
On Friday 29th August, we welcomed Shetland’s Up Helly Aa Viking Jarl Squads. The Squads enjoyed a day of community visits, including Banff Academy, Fordyce Primary School, Portsoy School, Macrae Court Sheltered Housing Complex and Durnhythe Care Home.
A large number of event goers enjoyed a night of entertainment from local band Mustang at the Tattie Sheds on Friday evening.
On Saturday 30th August, a community gala was held at Loch Soy. Reflecting gala days gone by, visitors enjoyed browsing a range of stalls, catering options, vehicle displays, children’s activities and more. A full stage programme saw local groups and organisations entertain throughout the day, including Portsoy 75 Club choir, Skip 2 The Beat, Anne McArthur’s Highland Dancers, Banffshire Community Band, Portsoy Pipe Band and Folk at the Salmon Bothy. A song written in dedication to the Portsoy 75 Club and Portsoy Thrift Shop was performed by Paulina Honig and Jim Paterson.
Special guests at the event were Shetland’s Up Helly Aa Viking Jarl Squads, who brought lots of fun and engagement with the large crowd.
The Squads led a Viking Torchlit procession through Portsoy in the evening, culminating in the burning of a galley specially built by Cullen Sea School boatbuilders and pupils and staff from Banff Academy, with support from Portsoy Men’s Shed members. A large crowd enjoyed the spectacle through the town and by the Old Harbour. Our thanks go to Regency Oils, James Jones and Sons and Gray Composting Srrvices for donations towards this element of our celebrations.
The day was rounded off with a lively Viking Ceilidh at the Tattie Sheds dancing to Galik Bred ceilidh band. With thanks to Hamlyns of Scotland for sponsorship of this event.
On Sunday 31st August, a tea dance was held at Portsoy Church Centre for local senior citizens, who enjoyed an afternoon tea followed by entertainment and dancing, as well as a visit from members of the Jarl Squad.
A celebration for members, friends and families, past and present, of Portsoy 75 Club and Portsoy Thrift Shop was held in the Tattie Sheds on Sunday afternoon. Celebration cakes were cut and a dram of local whisky enjoyed from the traditional Portsoy 75 Club quaich in celebratory toast to this milestone anniversary year.
Huge thanks to the many sponsors, supporters and volunteers who made the celebration weekend possible, we could not have done it without you, thank you! Well done and thanks to Portsoy 75 Club members Myles Murray & Vivien Rae who led the organisation of a fantastic weekend.
Thanks to Our Sponsors, Supporters & Community Partners
