XpoNorth Christmas market returns

Makers and creators across the islands and Highlands are being encouraged to help shoppers bag the perfect Christmas gift this year.

In the run up to the festive season, XpoNorth Christmas Marketplace will be showcasing the best of produce and products from the region.

Creative businesses have until this Friday, October 29, to apply to be a part of the online campaign that will boost website traffic as it highlights their products to Yuletide-ready shoppers.

The 2021 campaign will run from Monday November 15 to Friday December 17.

Iain Hamilton, who is head of creative industries at Highlands and Islands Enterprise and is co-founder of XpoNorth, said despite the challenges Covid-19 had given, the Highlands and Islands continues to impress with its high calibre of creative businesses.

‘This Christmas it is vital we support our hugely talented makers by buying local and ensuring they thrive as we approach 2022.

‘We were inundated with businesses looking to participate last year and are looking forward to receiving this year’s applications to make this Christmas Marketplace our best yet for businesses and consumers alike,’ he said.

Orkney-based glass designer Carrie Paxton, who was at last year’s XpoNorth Christmas Marketplace, added: ‘Christmas 2020 was a very uncertain time for all small businesses.

‘I had a successful season which was boosted considerably by XpoNorth’s support and promotion.’

Interested in applying? Go to www. xponorth.co.uk for details. The closing date is Friday October 29.