Portsoy sits on the Moray Firth Coast in Aberdeenshire, and has rich history and heritage. Herring fishing was a boom industry for the town, and its 17th-century old harbour built in 1693 and second ‘new’ harbour built in 1825 were bustling maritime trade centres. Today, the harbours offer a picturesque location for meeting friends, sailing and rowing, and bathing in the summer months for those who are brave enough!
Portsoy’s geological landscape is diverse and unique. Famed for its ‘marble’, which is actually serpentine, most often found in red and green hues, the area is also characterised by outcrops of significantly sheared rock, known to geologists as the Portsoy Lineament. These local natural materials contribute to the variety of historic buildings still standing around the shores in the present day.
Portsoy is now renowned for its tranquil coastal setting, local warm welcome, homemade ice cream, and annual festivals and events.
Enjoy walks to the east and west of the town along coastal trails and beaches, including to the nearby picturesque village of Sandend with its sprawling golden beach. Keep an eye out for coastal wildlife including an array of seabirds, as well as dolphins, seals and occasionally whales. The National Cycle Route 1 also offers scenic cycling routes to the east and west of Portsoy.
Visit Loch Soy in the centre of the town, a tranquil green space which also offers an outdoor multigym and children’s playpark. Don’t forget to taste the locally homemade ice cream too!
Portsoy is host to a number of annual showcase events including The Scottish Traditional Boat Festival and Folk at the Salmon Bothy’s Haal folk music festival. A short journey away you can discover the annual Cornhill Highland Games on the first Saturday in June, and the annual agricultural gathering at Turriff Show, as well as additional festivals and events throughout the year in nearby towns and villages. For a full programme of local events, see Visit Aberdeenshire’s What’s On Guide.
There is also plenty to enjoy across the wider Aberdeenshire and Moray areas.
Relax and enjoy the outdoors, from walking to cycling, to fishing in the many surrounding rivers, including the River Deveron.
For the more adventurous, surfing is available at Sandend Beach, whilst Cullen Sea School offers kayaking, paddleboarding and other watersports activities in the summer months.
Keen golfers will find a variety of golf courses nearby, including Cullen Links Golf Club, Duff House Royal Golf Club in Banff and Royal Tarlair Golf Course in Macduff. Myrus Driving Range in Macduff provides a further opportunity to perfect golfing skills.
Enjoy the nearby Speyside Whisky Trail, with many distilleries within easy reach, including nearby Glenglassaugh Distillery, just outside Portsoy.
Take a drive along the North East 250. This circular driving route, which runs through Aberdeenshire and Moray Speyside, mixes countryside and coast, picturesque towns and villages and the Cairngorms, the UK’s largest National Park.
For more inspiration and ideas for things to do, see Visit Aberdeenshire and Visit Moray Speyside
| Restaurants, Takeaways & Pubs | |
| Aspire Restaurant | 01261 842983 |
| Hook Line & Sinker Chip Shop | 01261 843903 |
| Port House Cafe | 07871 585664 |
| Portsoy Chinese Takeaway | 01261 842200 |
| Portsoy Ice Cream Shop | 01261 842279 |
| Sarah’s Burger Shack | 07450 543186 |
| Shore Inn Public Bar | 01261 842831 |
| Station Hotel Public Bar & Restaurant | 01261 842327 |
| Symposium Coffee House | 01261 843856 |
| Shops & Bakeries | |
| Co-op Portsoy | 01261 842275 |
| Davidson’s Chemist | 01261 842284 |
| J.G. Ross Bakers | 01261 843573 |
| John Donald Bakers | 01261 842394 |
| Soy Kilts | 01261 843303 |
| The Curiosity Shoppe | 01261 843806 |
| The Portsoy Gift Box | 07772 195306 |
| Hairdressers | |
| Mhairi’s | 01261 842854 |
| Efe’s Barbers | Walk-ins Welcome |
| Taxis | |
| Portsoy Taxis | 01261 843770 |
| Leisure | |
| Portsoy Bowling Club | 01261 842728 |
| Portsoy Gym & Astro Turf | 01261 843555 |
| Banff Swimming Pool & Sports Centre | 01261 815754 |
| Buckie Swimming Pool | 01542 832841 |
Photo Credits – Allan Robertson, Alistair Mair, Visit Aberdeenshire
Sleeps 6
6 Shorehead, Portsoy This three-bedroom cottage retains a unique character and charm, yet offers all the modern facilities for a relaxed and enjoyable stay. The cosy and welcoming sitting room offers a tv with Freeview, as well as a selection of board games and books. Free Wifi is available. In the fully equipped kitchen, you […]
Sleeps 2
7 Shorehead, Portsoy This one-bedroom cottage is accessed via outdoor steps, which also lead to a quaint sitooterie area by the front door. An inviting sitting room with woodburning stove provides a warm welcome. A television with Freeview, as well as a selection of books and games, are provided. Free Wifi is available. In the […]
