A historic museum which tells the story of Portsoy’s seafaring past, is one of 37 projects in Aberdeenshire in the running to receive a share of £333,333 via the Just Transition Participatory Budgeting Fund.
The Salmon Bothy 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 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.
Anne McArthur, who has managed the Salmon Bothy since it opened fifteen years ago said: “Over 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 27th November 2024.
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.
Whilst 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, you must live, work or access services in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire or Moray. You must enter a valid postcode and you will be asked to select your top five projects which have your vote.
Portsoy Community Enterprise 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 of 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 www.portsoy.org.
