Organisers of the Folk at the Salmon Bothy Haal festival have expressed their disappointment after Australian performer Eileen Ordish and her daughter Collette were forced to cancel their planned appearance at this year’s event due to major international flight disruption linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Eileen and Collette had been due to travel from Australia to perform at the Haal festival, which takes place from 5 – 7 June in Portsoy. However, the continuing closure and disruption of major Middle Eastern air travel hubs, including Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, has left them unable to travel as planned.
Global air travel has been severely affected following the Iran conflict, with airlines cancelling routes, changing schedules and reducing services across key international travel corridors. Despite exploring alternative travel arrangements, no viable flight options were available due to disrupted routes, limited availability and the significant cost of replacement flights.
Folk at the Salmon Bothy Chairman, Bob Philips, said, “We are extremely disappointed that Eileen and Collette are no longer able to attend this year’s Haal, and we know many festival-goers were looking forward to welcoming them to Portsoy. The situation has been completely beyond their control, with international travel disruption continuing to affect passengers worldwide.
“Travel plans for Eileen and Collette were made many months ago and they were very much looking forward to being part of the festival. While it is hugely disappointing for everyone involved, we fully understand the circumstances and hope to welcome them to Portsoy for the Haal in 2027 instead.”
Despite the late change to the programme, organisers say the 2026 Haal will still offer a packed weekend of traditional music, performances and community celebration across various venues in Portsoy. Performers attending from across Scotland, England and Ireland include the Siobhan Miller Band, Kimber’s Men and A Wheen o’ Wimmin.
Tickets available from Bob Philips at bobportsoy@gmail.com or 07968 872 217 or at the door of the event subject to availability.
