Weather doesn’t keep shoppers away from Auchterarder Farmers Market

Jan 15 2010 by Katy Gordon, Strathearn Herald

VISITORS were not put off by the weather and turned out in their droves to support the first ever Auchterarder Farmers’ Market which took place on Saturday.

The organisers and stall holders were delighted by the turnout of local residents showing their backing for the market.

Shoppers filled their bags with a selection of fresh produce including vegetables, fish, cheese, pies, pates and a great selection of bread and confectionery.

Local politicians Roseanna Cunningham MSP and Annabelle Ewing, the Scottish National Party’s candidate for Ochil and South Perthshire, have praised the resilience and determination of shoppers, stallholders and organisers as they refused to be deterred by the bad weather and ensured that the first ever Farmer’s Market in Auchterarder went ahead as planned.

Speaking after visiting the Farmers’ Market, Roseanna said:

“This was a very important event and I am delighted to have been here for two reasons in particular.

“The first is to celebrate the arrival of the Farmers’ Market to Auchterarder. Perthshire farmers have been in the vanguard of the Farmer’s Market movement and Auchterarder is now the third venue in my constituency to host a regular Farmers’ Market.

“Secondly, I want to praise the resilience and determination of all of those involved in making the event a success despite the dreadful weather conditions we have been experiencing.

“Obviously there was a reduced number of stallholders - some of the vegetable producers, for example, have simply been unable to get their produce out of the ground - but the market has gone ahead as planned and there was a great turnout of customers looking to fill their shopping bags with the wonderful produce that was available.”

Annabelle Ewing also attended the market and said: “I am really impressed with the produce that has been on offer but most of all with the way in which everyone has pulled together and ensured that the Auchterarder Farmers’ Market has got off to a great start.

“Despite the snow and ice, there was clearly a steady stream of customers determined to show their support so that was a very good sign for the future of Auchterarder Farmers’ Market and an indication of the very strong sense of community that Auchterarder has.”

The next market will take place on Saturday, February 13 and the organisers have already got 15 stands booked up.