Portsoy Salmon Bothy

Aberdeenshire

Built in 1834, the Portsoy Salmon Bothy originally served as an icehouse for the town’s thriving salmon fishing industry. From February to August each year, fishermen went out in their cobles, setting off around 3am to haul their nets from the waters around the Point. The catch was washed, packed in ice, and sent to market.

 

The fishermen lived on site in what is now known as the Small Bothy, reflecting both the demanding nature of the work and the close-knit community that supported it. The Bothy remained in use until the early 1990s.

 

The building reopened in 2009 as a museum celebrating Portsoy’s rich heritage:

• Chamber 1 displays artefacts from the salmon fishing industry, bringing to life the tools and traditions of the fishermen.
• Chamber 2 explores Portsoy’s past as a busy trading town, highlighting key industries such as the buoy factory, engineering works, and its smuggling history.
• Chamber 3 focuses on the unique geology of Portsoy, along with the local flora and fauna that make the area so distinctive.

 

In 2025, a new Geology Wall was created with funding and support in kind from the local community, showcasing the pride and ongoing commitment to preserving Portsoy’s natural heritage.

 

At the front of the museum stands Soy Lady, a traditional coble built locally, offering a striking reminder of the town’s fishing past.

 

Activities:

• Interpretive displays across three chambers
• Outdoor exhibit featuring Soy Lady coble

 Visitor Information:

• Accessible harbour-side location

Facilities

• Parking
• Disabled Access
• Disabled WC
• Limited Access

Additional Access Information

Accessible harbour-side location