The Herald - The Herald Magazine
Weekend days out Scotland’s top 15 farmers’ markets
WITH organic food and local produce more in vogue than ever, farmers’ markets are springing up across the country. They are a great way to pick up quality produce at a fair price and often sell a lot more than just fruit and veg.
1 KELSO FARMERS’ MARKET
Where? Kelso Square
When? Last Saturday of the month, 9.30am-1.30pm Showcasing some of the best fresh produce from the Borders, Kelso has a huge variety of stalls. From fudge to fish and cider to chicken, the market is hugely popular (helped in part by its picturesque location in the town square).
As well as foodstuffs, there are stalls with homemade crafts, body care products and fresh flowers. It’s well worth a visit – especially because there is free parking.
2. ABERDEEN COUNTRY FAIR
Where? Belmont Street, Aberdeen When? First and last Saturday of the month, 9am-5pm
Attracting up to 30,000 people, this is one of the largest markets in Scotland. It began in 2000 in the courtyard of the Academy Shopping Centre, but after growing in popularity the market moved. You can expect Aberdeen Angus beef (naturally), the best Scotch whisky and lovingly handmade crafts.
The rest of the produce is as fresh as you can hope for: with locally grown fruit and vegetables, and fish landed at Aberdeen and Peterhead harbours.
3. EDINBURGH FARMERS’ MARKET
Where? Castle Terrace, Edinburgh When? Every Saturday, 9am-2pm At the foot of Edinburgh Castle, the striking location is as much an attraction as its produce. Now in its 17th year, the gathering has more than 60 stalls – selling everything from oatcakes to ostrich – and is the biggest farmers’ market in Scotland.
Cooking demonstrations are held on the first Saturday of the month, and samples and tasters to try. The market boasts of being listed by Loyd Grossman as one of the best farmers’ market in the world.
4. CAMPBELTOWN FARMERS’ MARKET, ARGYLL
Where? Royal Hotel Yard, Campbeltown
When? First Saturday of the month, 10am-1pm
Perhaps unsurprisingly, given its coastal location, seafood is a speciality. You can also pick up lamb, beef and tasty baked goods. The market was set up by local producers to create a meeting point for the community, but visitors are welcome.
5. INVERNESS FARMERS’ MARKET
Where? High Street (Eastgate end) When? First Saturday of the month, 9am-4pm
You might not expect to find fresh Mediterranean food at a farmers’ market in the Highlands but that is exactly what is on offer in Inverness.
There is also plenty of traditional farm produce, with the homemade marmalade from Rose Cottage country kitchen a particular favourite. Be warned, though, it is a little unusual.
One of the marmalades is made with vodka – to add a certain kick to your morning toast.
6. ST ANDREWS FARMERS’ MARKET
Where?Argyle Street car park When? First Saturday of the month, 9am-1pm
This is a great advert for the best of Fife’s produce, with farmhouse cheeses, organic vegetables and EastNeuk grown plants.
In the summer, the market is also home to a pop-up restaurant, where you can eat before you buy or enjoy some drinks outside. If nothing else, the combination of smells from the market and the restaurant is sure to make you peckish.
7. LOCH LOMOND SHORES FARMERS’ MARKET
Where? Loch Lomond Shores, near Balloch
When? First and third Sunday of the month, 10am-4pm Home-baked breads, pies and smoked fish. Situated on the Bonnie Banks, views of the loch are a highlight. If the weather is good then make sure you get there early: the market is open until four but the freshest produce goes quickly, especially if it is busy.
8. GLASGOW FARMERS’ MARKET
Where? Mansfield Park Square, Partick
When? Every second and fourth Saturday, 10am-2pm
Having been around since the 1990s, this is one of the best known markets in the Central Belt. Well-served by public transport to the rest of Glasgow, it means that even those living in the middle of the city can easily access a taste of rural life. Fish, meat, cheese and jam are on offer but you can also buy a hot lunch, with gourmet hotdogs and pork baos made fresh from street food vans. Watch out for the Partick Community Festival – on one Saturday during the summer – when you can enjoy live music and a street party as you do your shopping.
9. STIRLING FARMERS’ MARKET
Where? Port Street, Stirling city centre When? Second Saturday of the month, 10am-4pm Gluten-free? You’re in luck. This market has a great selection of sans-gluten home baking, to ensure you won’t be left out of the fun of market shopping. There are also handmade wines, gins, craft beers and fresh veal and venison. And if that wasn’t enough, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds sets up an informative stall at the market to help keep children entertained.
10. DORNOCH COMMUNITY MARKET
Where? Cathedral Green, Dornoch When? Second Wednesday of the month, 9.30am-1pm
Nestled on the Sutherland coast, this village market highlights the best of Highland produce. Along with bread, cheese and locally-made chocolate, a variety of arts and crafts are on offer: jewellery, photography and handmade leather gifts. But the best bit of all? The deliciously fresh bacon rolls that you can munch on while you shop.
11. PERTH FARMERS’ MARKET
Where? King Edward Street and High Street, Perth
When? First Saturday of the month, 9am-2pm
With nearly 50 stalls, this is one of the larger markets. There is enough variety to satisfy even the fussiest of customers, with many stalls offering samples to let you try before you buy. Perthshire has some of the most fertile land in the country, so there is a particularly good range of fresh vegetables and fruit.
12. LEITH FARMERS’ MARKET
Where? Dock Place, Leith
When? Every Saturday, 10am-5pm This bohemian market can turn into a day out as well as a shopping experience: picking up artisan coffee from the Bearded Barista, having a browse at the independent artworks and sitting down with a hot lunch from one of the many street food outlets. Japanese, French and Indian are all available for lunch, as well as stalls selling classic street food such as gourmet hot dogs.
Non-meat eaters are well catered for, with a dedicated vegan quarter every first Saturday in the month selling a range of veggie products. But fear not, traditionalists: there is still a good selection of old-fashioned farmers’ produce such as fruit, bread and meat.
13. AYRSHIRE FARMERS’ MARKET
Where? River Street, Ayr
When? First Saturday of the month, 9am-1pm
One of the first farmers’ markets in Scotland, Ayr’s well stocked selection is definitely worth a visit.
It’s notable for its high-quality meat (including grass-reared Ayrshire lamb) and speciality goats’ cheese, from the nearby village of Dunlop.
14. DUNDEE FARMERS’ MARKETS
Where? City Square, Dundee When? Third Saturday of the month, 9am-4pm
Dundee has everything you might expect from a farmers’ market: eggs, vegetables and meat.
But there is an added attraction in the form of an exceptional cheesecake stall. With a host of delicious favours, including chocolate orange, salted caramel and zesty lemon, it is worth a visit in itself.
15. PITLOCHRY FARMERS’ MARKET
Where? Logierait, Ballinluig, Pitclochry
When? Third Saturday of the month, 10am-3pm
It might be small but Pitlochry has an impressively stocked market that holds up well against bigger rivals.
Coffee fans will particularly enjoy the stall from Cairngorm Leaf and Bean, which offers deluxe coffee from an independent Highland roaster.
NEXT WEEK: MORE GREAT SCOTTISH DAYS OUT IDEAS