Much to do and see at Blair market

Blairgowrie Community Market returns to the Wellmeadow this Saturday and organisers have attracted a number of stallholders to the popular event.

The market takes place from 10am until 3pm in the Wellmeadow.

New stalls at this month’s market include Farquhar’s Fancirs, which offer scents for the home, Elemental, which sells fair trade clothing and accessories, and Bella and Duke dog feed.

Many regular stallholders are also making a welcome return to the monthly market, including CS Chalmers, Flourish Plants, Deli Jax, local butcher Ann Davidson, Alison’s Kitchen with a range of gluten-free food, the award-winning Allan’s Chilli Products, Arbroath Quality Fish, the Acorn with its sugar-free sweets, Tufted Duck Designs and the Association of Blairgowrie Craftworkers.

And members of the public who would like to find out more about how they could save money and the environment will be able to speak to representatives from the new HEAT Rattray and the Glens project team who will have a stall at the market.

Representatives from Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council will be at the information point to chat to people about issues in the town that affect them and the Rattray Marching Band will be performing at around 1pm.

Nick and Sue from NSC Outdoor Adventures and Blairgowrie and District Next Steps will also be available to discuss the popular Wednesday health walks, the Blairgowrie Walking Festival and the health and social care integrated joint board.

And sticking with the health theme, there will also be a stall for the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) as it is currently RA Awareness Week. Details of the new NRAS Tayside Group which is being set up will be available.

Volunteers from Blairgowrie and District Next Steps help put up the market stalls along with helpers from the community council and the SCYD Events team.

The community market is organised by Strathmore and the Glens Rural Partnership and aims to provide a source of healthy, affordable and tasty food for people in the east Perthshire and Strathmore areas, contribute to the economic regeneration of the area and provide an outlet for small local producers and those starting out, and create a friendly and accessible space that promotes links between all members of the community.

Visitors to the market are also encouraged to spend time browsing the wide range of independent retailers situated in Blairgowrie and enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants and coffee shops that use local produce.

Organisers said research shows that markets help bring life into towns, aiding regeneration, and encourage social interactions, particularly between rural and urban communities.

Stall hire costs £35. For more info contact Sue at Strathmore and the Glens on 01828 640763 or email sue@ nscdesign.com.

Blairgowrie Community Market also has a Facebook page.