Celebration of the town’s famous produce
Organisers of the Blairgowrie Community Market were delighted with the success of this month’s market, which took place in the Wellmeadow in good weather on Saturday.
August’s market was a celebration of the area’s rich abundance of berries and cherries.
Among the stall holders at the popular event were Warpweftweave Studio with Ashleigh Slater, the creator of the Blairgowrie Berries and Cherries tartan and the new Cateran Trail tartan, and local fruit growers Thomas Thomson.
Many regular stallholders also returned to the monthly market, including CC Plants, Flourish Plants, Deli Jax, butcher Ann Davidson, Alison’s Kitchen with a range of gluten-free food that had sold out by 1pm, Allan’s Chilli Products, Tuff Duck Designs, potter Marion Husband, and Mysterious Worlds jewellery.
Members of the Association of Blairgowrie Craftworkers were also at the market.
Representatives from the Heat Rattray and the Glens project team had a smoothie bike for visitors to make their own drinks and to help people find out more about how they could save money and the environment.
Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council (BRCC) were at the information point to chat to people about issues in the town that affect them, with many raising the proposals for the development of Blackthorn Place as a concern.
BRCC were also keen to raise awareness of the forthcoming festival celebrating the life and works of Blairgowrie-born Hamish Henderson.
The community market is organised by Strathmore and the Glens Rural Partnership and aims to contribute to the economic regeneration of the area and provide an outlet for small local producers and those starting out.
Volunteers help put up the market stalls along with helpers from the community council and the SCYD events team.
Sue Cole from the Strathmore and the Glens Rural Partnership said: “It was a great market, the weather was good and there were lots of people browsing and buying, it was a fantastic day.”
Organisers said research shows that markets help bring life into towns, aiding regeneration, and encourage social interactions, particularly between rural and urban communities.
The next Blairgowrie Community Market, which will be the last one of 2017, takes place on Saturday, September 23 from 10am to 3pm. Stall hire costs £35.
Contact Sue on 01828 640763 or email sue@nscdesign.com for more details.