Portsoy Haal folk music festival hailed a success
A successful folk music festival has been held with attendees enjoying a bumper programme.
The 15th Haal event was held in Portsoy and organised by Folk at the Salmon Bothy.
On the Friday night there was a Jimmy McBeath Memorial Concert headlined by The Paddy Buchanan Band from Aberdeenshire, supported by Kate Taylor and Margaret Bennet.
A sell-out Saturday night headline concert featured The Jeremiahs from Dublin, The Wilson Family from north-east England, and Andy Popplestone from Stonehaven.
The programme also included a wide variety of singarounds and sessions, as well as workshops focusing on tin whistle, fiddle, bodhran and storytelling, in venues including the Station Hotel, Shore Inn, Town Hall and Church Centre.
Growing the event, this year also included an extended fringe programme which saw performers play across many venues in the town including The Port House Café, Portsoy Ice Cream Shop, Symposium Coffee House, Aspire Restaurant and The Boatshed, encouraging everyone to get involved and enjoy the entertainment.
A new initiative, an art and music display, took place in the former Grain Store by the Old Harbour.
Artist Chris Adam along with students from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland performed traditional music sets, while Kate Wilson showcased Wyvin Wyes, a project showcasing a large lamp compiled of craft pieces made by people across Aberdeenshire.
Sheena Blackhall and Pauline Cordiner delivered engaging storytelling sessions for all ages.
A tribute in song, poetry and film was held on Sunday afternoon to remember the late Hamish Henderson, poet, singer-songwriter, folklorist and cultural and political activist.
A larger than life figure, Hamish wrote many songs including Farewell To The Creeks and Freedom Come All Ye. Throughout his work he ensured Scotland’s folklore was well documented.
The tribute included films by biographer, author, poet and award-winning film-maker, Timothy Neat and contribution by Margaret Bennett, who worked with Hamish at The School of Scottish Studies.
A number of competitions took place throughout the weekend, with winners selected based on their performances by a variety of judges.
The Wheeler Award for outstanding dedication to Traditional Music Studies at Aberdeen Music School was awarded to James Shand; The Greig-Duncan Song Competition was won by Bill Gray, with Molly Cordiner taking home the Junior trophy; and the Wendy de Russett Prize for the most enthusiastic whistle workshop participant went to Carole Clohesy.
Event organiser and Folk at the Salmon Bothy chairman Bob Philips said: “The Haal was a resounding success, with large attendances at concerts and sessions over the weekend.
“Our thanks go to all the performers, with special mention to the students from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, who sang and perfromed their way into everyone's hearts, displaying a wonderful showcase of talent.
“My thanks also to all the organisers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make the event happen, and of course to our sponsors including Kenway Tyres, Hydrasun, Hamlyns of Scotland, The Station Hotel Portsoy, Portsoy 75 Club and Portsoy Thrift Shop, without whom the event would not be possible.
“Plans are already under way for the 16th Haal which will take place from June 5-7, 2026, where we hope to enjoy another fantastic showcase of performances.”
Further information on all Folk at the Salmon Bothy events is available at www.bothyfolk.org or on the Folk at the Salmon Bothy Facebook page.
