Portsoy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Portsoy
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 Portsoy Old Harbour |
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 Portsoy
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| OS grid reference | NJ590661 |
| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | BANFF |
| Postcode district | AB45 |
| Dialling code | 01261 |
| Police | Grampian |
| Fire | Grampian |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Portsoy (in Gaelic: Port Saoidh) is a charming town, also known as a 'burgh', located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. This historic place used to be part of the county of Banffshire.
Portsoy is well-known for several special things:
- Its unique local jewellery made from "Portsoy marble."
- Its delicious oatmeal, which is milled locally and sent all over the world.
- Its exciting annual small boat festival.
- Its two historic harbours, which have played a big part in the town's past.
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Portsoy's Special Marble
One of the most famous things about Portsoy is its "marble." But here's a cool fact: it's not actually real marble! It's a beautiful type of rock called serpentine.
What is Serpentine?
Serpentine is a green, often shiny, rock. It gets its name because its patterns can sometimes look like a snake's skin. In Portsoy, this serpentine is used to make lovely jewellery and other decorative items. It's a unique local craft that visitors love to see.
Delicious Portsoy Oatmeal
Portsoy is also famous for its high-quality oatmeal. This oatmeal is made right in the town at a local mill.
Oatmeal Around the World
The oatmeal from Portsoy is so good that it's sold to people all over the world. It's a great example of how a small town can produce something enjoyed globally.
The Scottish Traditional Boat Festival
Every year, Portsoy hosts a fantastic event called the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival. This festival celebrates Scotland's rich maritime history.
What Happens at the Festival?
During the festival, many old and beautiful boats gather in Portsoy's harbours. There are also lots of activities, including:
- Live music and dancing.
- Food stalls with local treats.
- Craft markets where you can find unique handmade items.
- Demonstrations of traditional skills, like boat building.
It's a lively event that brings many visitors to the town.
Portsoy's Historic Harbours
Portsoy has two old harbours that are very important to its history. These harbours have seen many ships come and go over the centuries.
The Old Harbour
The older of the two harbours was built in the 17th century. It was a busy place where fishing boats would bring in their catch. It also helped with trade, sending goods out and bringing supplies in.
The New Harbour
Later, a 'new' harbour was built in the 19th century to handle even more ships and trade. Both harbours are still used today, though mainly for smaller boats and for the annual boat festival. They are beautiful spots to visit and imagine the town's past.
Images for kids
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The Old Town Hall, now used as a venue for religious gatherings
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