Perthshire Picnic launch as market serves up goodies

Perth Farmers’Market takes up its usual position in King Edward Street this Saturday with the added attraction of the launch of the Great Perthshire Picnic local produce promotion taking place within the market.

Market manager Adeline Watson said: “As Scotland’s first farmers’market we are again delighted to host the launch of such a worthwhile event that promotes Perthshire food.

“The market itself is one of the largest showcases for local produce in Scotland, with around 50 stalls offering a wide variety from artisan bread to Perthshire lamb. Without platforms such as Perth Farmers’Market local high quality, small scale, food producers in the region would struggle to find outlets and the rural economy would suffer.”

Due to the work being done on the City Hall, Perth Farmers’Market has recently had to expand into the High Street, with around half a dozen of the stall-holders operating from there.

Adeline said:“As we are only in town once a month for around five hours, it is vitally important that as many of ouyr rural producers as possible get the opportunity to maximise this small window. We continue to work with other retailers to try and‘push’the many visitors who are attracted into town by the market towards the sometimes hidden gems that Perth has to offer.

“The market has had to change over the years from its original meat-based concept to become more of an outdoor delicatessen which reflects the demands of the modern consumer.

“Items such as rapeseed oil, macaroons and‘clootie’dumplings would not have featured 20 years ago. Many of our producers are now recognised as national award winners and the market is always delighted to hear the positive feedback that comes from visitors about their experience, at what has now become a monthly festival of genuine local food production.”