Open Doors Days 2019 sees the launch of a fascinating new venture at Portsoy’s Salmon Bothy to which members of the public are warmly invited.
Since early spring, volunteers have been working hard refreshing displays in the VisitScotland accredited museum housed within the Bothy. The latest addition in Chamber 3, celebrates the flora, fauna and geology of our area in a stunning new exhibition. Meanwhile, Chamber 1 of the museum now tells the story of Salmon Fishing in and around Portsoy, whilst Chamber 2 focuses on the industries and activities of the town.
With invaluable assistance from the Geology Department at Aberdeen University, a fantastic display of rocks and minerals unique to our coastal area has been created. Visitors to the Museum will be able to see and handle rock specimens in a specially designed interactive display. In addition, flowers, birds and other wildlife which attract many visitors to this coast are displayed around the walls.
Anne McArthur, Chair of the Salmon Bothy Committee said, “We are pleased with the new exhibition and feel the public will find it very interesting. Geology students often undertake field work in the vicinity of Portsoy because it lies on the Huntly to Portsoy Shear Zone, an area of particular geological interest. Stones which we may pass by everyday are in fact quite rare and are found only in a few other parts of Scotland, or indeed worldwide.”
An enthusiastic group of Bothy volunteers and University personnel spent a fascinating day along the shore, locating various specimens of rocks and minerals to illustrate the project. With further assistance from the University, including an overhead view filmed by drone, a three dimensional video together with a map showing locations has been created. Examples of each of the stones is on display for visitors to handle and examine.
The specially designed display unit was created for the exhibition by members of Portsoy’s Boatshed team. With lovely photographs kindly supplied by Janet McLeman and Katy Rewston, panels illustrating flowers, birds and wildlife which visitors often travel far to see are displayed on the walls.
As well as on Open Doors Days, the Museum is open Friday – Monday, 2.00pm – 4.00pm each week. Entry is free, though donations are very much appreciated to cover the costs of running the facility.
