The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Joy for artisan traders with return of farmers’ markets
Farmers’ markets are vitally important to local producers, but tougher coronavirus restrictions had resulted in events being cancelled. However, two return this weekend ready to showcase artisan products.
As we move slowly towards a normal way of living, farmers’ markets are beginning to be permitted to trade again.
With there still being grave concerns over the potential for transmission of Covid-19, the markets returning to our streets are all understandably outdoors at the moment.
This weekend sees Perth Farmers’ Market and the Angus Farmers’ Market at Montrose making a comeback, a couple of weeks after the Dundee event returned to its normal venue of the City Square.
The Perth market returns to its location in the South Inch car park on Saturday, March 6. Although the market is outdoors, members of the public are reminded to observe the current guidelines on social distancing.
Market manager Adeline Watson said: “Since moving to South Inch the public have supported us in great numbers.
“Our stalls have been more spread-out and social distancing warnings are in place on each one.”
The change of venue has worked for the stallholders who have reported positive trade at the South Inch.
“It has been heartening to hear from our producers that their sales since moving to the new location have been excellent,” continued Adeline. “Moving from the centre of Perth after being there since the market was founded could have been challenging. However, with the council being supportive and the public embracing the change these fears have proved to be unfounded.”
The chairman of Angus Farmers’ Market, Peter Cowan, is thrilled the event at Montrose is returning
“I am delighted that we are able to get the Montrose market back up and running this year,” he said.
“It is nearly three months since we have been able to run a market and I know many of our stallholders are feeling the pain of not being able to attend the market as they rely on the markets for their income.”