Farmers' markets have taken off in Scotland following their introduction in the mid 90's, their growing appeal enhanced by Scottish consumers becoming more discerning in their desire for the best quality products from excellent local sources.
Offering everything from staples such as beef, pork and dairy products through to luxury items like craft beer and home made breads and cakes, there is sure to be something for everyone.
Here we take a look at some of the biggest and best farmers' markets on offer up and down the country:
Easily accessible due to it's base in the town centre, it has a fun and lively atmosphere.
It also runs some excellent Christmas markets. The Country Fair encourages new stalls (a form can be found on the main site).
Website: www.aberdeencountryfair.co.uk
Ayrshire Farmers' Market (Kyle Centre Car Park, Ayr, KA7 1QT)
Established now for over ten years now, the Ayrshire Farmer's Market runs on the first Saturday of each month (except January) from 9am until 1pm.
With products described as the 'taste of the Ayrshire countryside' the market offers everything from locally produced meat and game to Lime Tree Larder's luxury hand made chocolates.
Website: www.ayrshirefarmersmarket.co.uk
Ayr Farmers' Market
Barra and Vatersay Island Markets - Fèill an Eilean (The Dolphin Cottage, Castlebay, Isle of Barra,HS9 5XD)
Running on one Saturday each month (see the site for more details) with two markets in July, the island markets on Barra and Vatersay have been going for nearly 15 years. These monthly markets are real community affairs and offer more than just your usual market stalls including mini competitions and gardening displays. The markets have grown over the past few years and are now proving massively popular.
Telephone: 01871 810 043 Sarah MacLean
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.facebook.com/islandproduce
Campbeltown Farmers' Market (Royal Hotel Yard, Campbeltown, Argyll, PA28 6AG)
Running on the first Saturday of each month from 10am-1pm, the market is run by local producers and showcases some best local food and drink Campbeltown has to offer. Tourists welcome and a cracking place to pick up some of the best seafood Scotland has to offer
Website: www.cairngorms-farmers-market.com
Dundee Farmers' Market (High Street, Dundee)
Running on the third Saturday of the month from 9am-4pm, the Dundee Farmers' Market takes place on the High Street in Dundee. The market attracts producers from all over Tayside, providing some of the best food, include some of the amazing soft fruits this region has to offer. Keep you're eye out for some of the brewers that usually get involved too.
Website: http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/citydevelopment/economicdev/farmersmarket
Edinburgh Farmers' Market (Castle Terrace, Edinburgh)
The award-winning Edinburgh Farmers' Market which takes place at Castle Terrace under the imposing backdrop of Edinburgh Castle every Saturday from 9am-2pm. A hugely popular market in the centre of the Capital, with up to 60 stalls available at any one time. Listed by Lloyd Grossman as one of the world’s best farmers’ markets and now in it’s 15th year, guest producers provide specialities including organic beer, liqueurs, bread, chocolates and chutneys.
Website: www.edinburghfarmersmarket.com
Falkirk Farmers' Market (High Street, Falkirk)
Held in the pedestrian precinct of Falkirk High Street on the first Friday of every month from 12pm to 4pm, this vibrant market has much to offer.
Producers from all over central Scotland offer everything from Aberdeen Angus Beef, smoked fish, moorland lamb and even ostrich alongside cheeses from the islands, the Borders and Ayrshire.
Fife Farmer's Markets (St Andrews - Argyle St Car Park,
St Andrews KY16 9BX, Dunfermline - Glen Gates, Bridge Street, Dunfermline KY12 8AQ, Cupar - Crossgate, Cupar, Kirkcaldy - Town Square, Wemyssfield,
Kirkcaldy KY1 1XW)
Technically four markets in one, this Farmers Market travels around the region weekly, and offer some of the best fare the area has to offer in some it's most picturesque spots.
From February:
St Andrews - The first Saturday of every month
Dunfermline - The second Saturday of every month
Cupar - The third Saturday of every month
Kirkcaldy - The fourth Saturday of every month
Website: www.fifefarmersmarket.co.uk/
Glasgow Farmers Market (Queen's Park, Glasgow)
Recently moved to the corner of Kilmarnock Road and Langside Avenue at Langside Hall, this market is relatively new but is beginning to flourish.
Held on the first Saturday of every month from 12pm to 4pm, Glasgow Farmer's Market brings a taste of rural Scotland to the vibrant south side of the City. The onsite entertainment adds to the fun atmosphere and makes this market one for the family as well as for those searching for some great locally produced food and drink. Cost of stall hire - £50
Website: www.whatsonglasgow.co.uk/
Kelso Farmers' Market (Kelso Town Square, Kelso)
This vibrant market, held in the traditional setting of a cobbled town square is massively popular. It is held on the 3rd Saturday of the month from 9.30 am – 1.30 pm and has around 24 stall offering a wide range of fare from the beautiful Scottish Borders. Food stalls with local beef and poultry, fish and cheese regularly run alongside stalls offering crafts, plants and body care products. Well worth a day trip if you're not from the area as the market offers free parking and Kelso really is a beautiful and vibrant town.
Website: www.facebook.com/KelsoFarmersMarket
Kelso Farmers' Market
The Overton Farm Market runs on the first Saturday of every month from 9am to 1pm in Crossford, located in the glorious Clyde Valley. On offer are producers from Lanarkshire and all over central Scotland, offering everything from chillies (from the wonderful Galloway chillies) to natural soaps (from Caurnie Soap) as well as traditional fare.
Website: www.lanarkshirefarmersmarket.co.uk
The Loch Lomond Shores Farmers' Market is one of Scotland’s longest running markets, and is held throughout the year on the first and third Sunday of every month. Situated in one of the most stunning locales of any market - on the banks of Loch Lomond - it usually runs from 10am until 3pm. We recommend getting their early as most of the fresh produce goes very quickly.
Stall Hire at Market £70 per stall, per market.
Website: www.lochlomondshores.com
Montrose Farmers' Market (Town House Car Park. High Street, Montrose, DD10 8QW)
The Angus Farmers' Markets offer two markets, the first running on the first Saturday of the month from 9am to 1pm, in the Town House Car Park, Montrose. This market is extremely well supported and offers tremendous choice. Angus is well known for its locally produced beef, lamb and soft fruits, especially strawberries and raspberries. The market is also popular with young buskers.
The second market takes place on the second Saturday of every month indoors at the Strathmore Hall, the Mart, John St, Forfar. The Market offers 20-30 stalls and even a children's cookery club to keep the kids busy while you peruse the market's offerings.
Website: www.angusfarmersmarket.co.uk
Paisley Farmers' Market (County Square, Paisley)
Held in the newly refurbished County Square next to the central location of the main Gilmour Street train station, the market is held on the second and last Saturday of the month and runs from 9am to 1pm.
As a community market, it has won recognition from the BBC Good Food Magazine as among the best in the UK. We recommend checking out the amazing Limousin steaks, west coast seafood and Ayrshire potatoes. Cookery demonstrations and bands also feature regularly.
Website: https://www.paisley.org.uk/events/paisley-farmers-market/
Perth Farmers' Market (King Edward Street, Perth)
The market that set the ball rolling, was founded by local sheep farmer Jim Fairlie in 1999 and has grown from its humble beginnings of 12 stalls to around the 45 now seen in King Edward Street on the first Saturday of every month. Running from 9am-2pm this market is a must visit if you're from Perth or just happening to be visiting. The Market has just won the prestigious Independent Retailers Farmers’ Market of the Year Award.
Manager Adeline Watson explains the Perth Market's appeal: "The Market was originally very much meat based however with changes in consumer demands it has now become more of a quality outdoor delicatessen selling a vast array of food and drink all from local producers."
The Market is also aiming to hold its second major food festival this year. There is also a monthly cooking demonstration where local chefs prepare quick and easy dishes using seasonal ingredients from the market.
Website: www.perthfarmersmarket.co.uk
Perth Farmers' Market. Picture: CC
A fresh roast at Edinburgh Market. Picture: TSPL
