The Salmon Bothy

The Salmon Bothy is a small museum in Portsoy, Aberdeenshire, devoted to the town’s fishing history. Its exhibits cover the local fishing industry as well as Portsoy’s nature and geology, with captions that help make the displays easy to follow. The building began as an ice-house and salmon-processing business; its renovation preserved its historic character. A lift serves the upper floor, and free parking is available outside. Check the schedule if you would also like to catch a performance in this intimate venue.

A museum shaped by Portsoy’s fishing past

The Salmon Bothy Museum was established in 1993 by the Portsoy Salmon Bothy Trust. Local volunteers formed the trust to preserve the town’s fishing history and heritage. The museum occupies a building that was once an ice-house and salmon-processing business, giving its displays a direct connection to the industry they document.

Inside, exhibits cover fishing in Portsoy, alongside information about local nature and geology. Captions accompany the displays, and the collection packs a lot of information into a small museum. Take time to read them if you want to understand how fishing shaped the town.

The building and its events

The building has been renovated while retaining its historic character. A lift provides access to the upper floor, and the entrance, restroom and parking are listed as wheelchair accessible. Free parking is available outside.

The Bothy also hosts performances and can be hired for occasions such as weddings. Its compact size suits smaller gatherings. Check the event schedule if you want to pair a museum visit with a performance.