Welcome to Portsoy

Portsoy is located on the north-east coast of Scotland, in the county of Banffshire, approximately 570 miles north of London and 25 miles west of Fraserburgh.

The town has a population of around 1,800. Administratively it is within the district of Moray which covers an area of approximately 2,238 square kms.

Once an important herring fishing port, the town's 17th-century harbour and buildings have been carefully restored and today Portsoy is a very busy resort, set amidst beautiful coastal scenery, with the harbour now primarily used by pleasure craft. The town, which is renowned for its local marble, has numerous visitor attractions in the vicinity and is a ideal touring base for the region.

The town was created a burgh of barony in 1550, and was one of the main harbours on the Banffshire coast for herring fishing. The 'New Harbour' was built in 1825 by the Earl of Seafield. Portsoy is famous for its beautiful marble which is made into jewellery. Oatmeal, which is milled locally, is sold around the world. Portsoy harbour is today used by pleasure craft, and small inshore boats catching crab and lobster. The town is also well known for its Small Boat Festival which attracts in excess of 20,000 visitors.

Historically the town's economy was based upon fishing and agriculture. Today, the service industry, including tourism, is the largest sector of the local economy, employing around 57% of all workers.