Historic flotilla prepares to set sail

A spectacular fleet of traditional sailing boats is set to bring the north of Scotland's seafaring past vividly to life.

More than 30 vessels, most with a fishing heritage, will form the Moray Firth Flotilla, which will set sail on a week-long voyage, calling at six of the firth’s historic ports.

The flotilla will assemble in Wick, Caithness, next Friday (22 June), before embarking on the first leg of its journey on Sunday (24 June). The boats will receive a Royal welcome from the Earl of Wessex as they arrive at their final port of call, Portsoy, in Moray, on Friday 29 June.

En route the flotilla will put in for overnight stays at Lybster, in Caithness, Helmsdale, in Sutherland, Cromarty, on the Black Isle, and Buckie, in Moray. Celebrations, from children’s entertainment to late night ceilidhs, and events recalling the area’s rich maritime heritage have been planned at each port.

There will also be an aerial salute for the flotilla by the Red Arrows RAF aerobatic display team on the afternoon of Thursday 28 June.

The flotilla, a truly unique and original part of Highland 2007, Scotland's Year of Highland Culture, is expected to attract thousands of visitors. Vessels taking part come from as far afield as the Faroes and Faversham and include restored boats from the late 19th and early 20th centuries and modern replicas.

Sinclair Young, Director of the Moray Firth Partnership, has spent the past two years planning the ambitious event with a small team of traditional boat enthusiasts.

He said: “After all the planning, it is hugely exciting to think that we will finally see this unique flotilla come together and set out on its adventure in just a few days time. That excitement is shared by all the crews and the people who have worked extremely hard to ensure a memorable welcome in every port.

“First and foremost, it’s going to be great fun. But, it is also a wonderful opportunity to bring a very rich seafaring heritage to life in the Moray Firth coastal communities of today. Seeing these boats sail past the cliffs of Caithness and the beaches of Moray will be like stepping back in time.”

The flotilla's arrival in Portsoy will provide a memorable start to the popular weekend-long Scottish Traditional Boat Festival. Now in its 14th year, the festival last year attracted 18,000 visitors.

The flotilla is sponsored by the Scottish Co-op, The Crown Estate, Highland 2007, the Highlands and Islands Enterprise network, the National Lottery Awards for All, Old Pulteney, Talisman Energy, EventScotland and Platform PR. It is also being supported by The Highland Council, Moray Council and Port Services, Invergordon.