The North East Scotland Preservation Trust (NESPT) acquired the historic buildings in 2006. They comprised a finely detailed Georgian house and two cottages, as well as a former sail-making loft.

The project was the first in Scotland to receive funding from our Heritage Enterprise programme. The funding was complemented by grants from the Coastal Communities Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and the Architectural Heritage Fund.

The Sail Loft Bunkhouse is now being run by Portsoy Community Enterprise. It provides self-catering accommodation for up to 25 visitors and includes a fully accessible bedroom and bathroom, with communal kitchen and lounge areas.

The project has already created two new full-time jobs and two part-time positions, and once fully up and running will bring significant additional economic benefit to the town. 

Portsoy hosts the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival each year, which attracts around 20,000 people from all over the world. Residential courses in traditional boat building are being offered with accommodation in the Sail Loft. These will be mainly run in the winter, bringing additional visitors to the town out of season.

Companies are also showing interest in team building activities where their staff will stay in the Sail Loft and be challenged to turn a pile of wood into a boat over a few days.

Marcus Humphrey CBE, NESPT chairman, said: “We acquired these wonderful, iconic buildings in 2006 and have been working tirelessly ever since to find a way of preserving them for future generations. Our partnership with Portsoy Community Enterprise has enabled us to redevelop the buildings as bunkhouse accommodation for visitors and I am most grateful for their unerring help and support."

To find out more, visit the Sail Loft website.