Rules force farmers’ markets to close

Farmers’ markets across Aberdeenshire have been cancelled in an effort to protect the public.

After consultation with Aberdeenshire Council, market managers decided they could not go ahead while observing distancing rules, despite the impact on producers.

Indoor and outdoor markets are classed by the government as “non-essential” – a classification that also applies to craft markets.

A letter to producers from the council reads: “I know how hard you all work to sustain, develop and promote our farmers’

“We’ll definitelybe back once this is over”

markets in Aberdeenshire and I can assure you that this step has not been taken lightly.

“The situation will be kept under constant review and updates will be issued as and when they become available.”

Ron Reid, manager of Inverurie Farmers’ Market, said some producers and customers would struggle.

He said: “For some of the bigger producers they have other channels to sell their produce on but for others they rely on the market circuit.

“Supermarkets can encourage people to use card and enforce the two metre distance but the majority use cash at markets and can’t operate two metres from everyone.

“Customers who rely on our weekly sales will just have to turn to their supermarkets, which are also struggling, but we’ll definitely be back once this is over.”