The first-ever Peterhead Scottish Week in 1962 was borne from a wave of ‘vitality’ and optimism in the town at the time. The most ambitious of all events that year, it truly showcased Peterhead to the rest of Scotland – and beyond. It was the epitome of community spirit.
And the week-long celebration of everything the Blue Toon had to offer has paved the way for an event that continues to run 62 years on. Proudly, its the only Scottish Week that has consistently run since its inception, Covid aside. While other Scottish Weeks have fallen by the wayside, every year without fail, the town is draped in tartan and ready to celebrate.
Scottish Weeks were designed to ‘foster community spirit’ But it took a couple of years to convince the town it was a good idea. In 1960, a correspondent in Peterhead said “for some unaccountable reason Scottish Week has never cut much ice in the north-east”. Adding that perhaps Peterhead Town Council had plans that year, he quipped: “I hae ma doots!” But the following year, a resident complained there was little to do for families during the school holidays.
While there had been previous successful galas days, there was a growing feeling Peterhead could do something bigger. This coincided with a national scheme encouraging local councils to host a ‘Scottish Week’ to foster community spirit and boost tourism. And this time, the councillors were listening.
Provost Robert Forman keen to promote Peterhead In 1961, provost and counc.