Portsoy Salmon Bothy seeking funding for project to preserve maritime heritage
A museum which tells the story of a community’s seafaring past is looking to undertake a project to fix its heating and reduce its carbon footprint.
The Salmon Bothy in Portsoy is a former working salmon house dating back to 1834.
In 2009, it was fully restored and reopened as a museum and community space called, Upstairs at the Salmon Bothy.
It is run by a team of volunteers and showcases displays, artefacts and information about Portsoy’s historic harbours, the fishing industry and trade.
The Bothy has put forward a funding request of £32,000 to the Just Transition Participatory Budgeting Fund for its eco-friendly project to install a ground source heat pump, along with additional energy efficient measures to reduce the museum’s carbon footprint.
It is one of 37 projects in Aberdeenshire in the running to receive a share of £333,333.
Anne McArthur, who has managed the Salmon Bothy since it opened 15 years ago said: “More than 2,000 people use and visit the Salmon Bothy during the year, and at the moment, we can’t extend our usual warm welcome as our boiler is broken.
“Without adequate heating, this causes problems not only for the people using the building, but our historic displays and artefacts risk being destroyed.
“The building is damp, and the old roof and walls don’t have adequate insulation to retain heat, so it is not energy efficient or warm inside.
“Upstairs at the Salmon Bothy is also a well-used community space, which can be booked for corporate meetings, local groups and musical events.
“It provides a valuable income stream for the Bothy, but without proper heating, it’s not a pleasant or comfortable place for our users.
“It is important to reduce our environmental impact and take an eco-friendly approach to running the Salmon Bothy.
“Securing this funding would enable us to install a ground source heat pump, along with other measures to retain, adequate heating for the building.
“This is an opportunity to get behind the green projects within your area and I would encourage people to support the Salmon Bothy.
“A vote for us will benefit the whole community, it safeguards the future of the museum and preserves Portsoy’s rich maritime heritage for future generations.”
To vote for the Salmon Bothy’s eco-friendly project visit: www.jtpbfund.scot/vote
Voting closes on Wednesday, November 27.
Portsoy’s 17th century harbour was a bustling hive of activity, not only a main fishing port, it was also the base where several associated industries were developed including manufacturing and engineering.
While the sea was a significant employer for the community, Portsoy was also a key exporter of marble, thanks to its unique geology.
Visitors can learn more about the area’s seafaring stories through the old photographs and displays, which have been preserved within the Salmon Bothy.
The essence of Just Transition Participating Budgeting is to empower the residents of Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray by giving them a crucial role in shaping the just transition to net zero.
Residents and their families are invited to have the final say over what initiatives are funded through a public vote.
To be eligible to vote, people must live, work or access services in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire or Moray. They must enter a valid postcode and they will be asked to select their top five projects which have their vote.
Portsoy Community Enterprise (PCE) runs the Salmon Bothy and is a social enterprise driven by a passionate and committed team of volunteers.
It brings together an array of assets, events and offerings to keep alive the ingrained heritage and cultures of the north-east of Scotland.
The organisation was established following the creation of the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival.
Intended to be a one-off event to celebrate the 300th year of Portsoy’s harbour in 1993, it has now become one of the leading events on Scotland’s summer calendar and welcomes thousands of visitors to celebrate the region’s rich cultural heritage.
PCE comprises the Portsoy Salmon Bothy, the Boatshed, Portsoy Links Caravan Park and the Sail Loft.
Working collaboratively, the whole organisation aims to provide economic benefit from tourism for the town of Portsoy and the surrounding area, with all of PCE’s assets belonging to the community.
For further information visit the www.portsoy.org website.
