Plans to rejuvenate the heart of Aberfeldy have exceeded expectations.
As part of efforts to attract more visitors to Highland Perthshire, a new farmers’ market was launched earlier this year. In just four months, the event has reached full capacity and now boasts 20 stalls, with producers clamouring to sign up.
These include Charlotte Flower Chocolates, Subrosa Bakehouse, Blair Atholl Watermill and Kenmore Bakery.
Local councillor Ian Campbell, who has lent his support to the market organisers, said they now plan to introduce a waiting list as they try to cope with demand.
“There was some discussion about whether we should have as many as 20 stalls,” he said.
“Now we’ve achieved that, it’s pretty gratifying, particularly because we’ve managed to do this in the space of four or five markets.”
He also revealed the positive impact the market has had on the town.
He continued: “Shopkeepers have really been getting behind it by opening up on a Sunday and the majority have been seeing the benefits of an increase in visitors.
“They have backed it all the way through and it seems the market has become one of the better days of the month for them.
“It’s not just about the market, though, it’s about the other things people can do in Aberfeldy and the surrounding area, like follow the Birks walk, visit the cinema and go along to Kenmore and Dull.”
The success of the farmers’ market is mainly down to the hard work of members of the Aberfeldy Small Business Association and Adeline Watson.
She came on board as a professional event organiser and owner of the Event Store. Despite being heavily involved in Perth, this is the first time she has launched a farmers’ market from scratch.
Ms Watson told The Courier she was “really pleased” by how the event has been received locally.
She said: “One of the biggest challenges we face is just getting the footfall.
“I’m really pleased with Aberfeldy to be getting so many stalls in such a short time is pretty good.”
Even so, the market needs to find new producers and continue its promotional work, she went on.
“We hope to keep a core group of stallholders, but it would be nice to offer something a bit different every month.”
The final market of 2013 takes place in October and, when it returns next year, Ms Watson hopes to take advantage of all the events that will be held in Scotland.
In particular, the Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup will bring thousands of visitors from across the world.
“We have got the Year of Homecoming ,too, so that could boost numbers,” she added.
“We have got to keep thinking of different ways to get people to visit and have to make each market an event in itself.
“This could involve introducing a new theme each month, which we would then promote on social media. We just want to encourage people to come along and get involved.”
The farmers’ market in Aberfeldy takes place on the first Sunday of every month between May and October in the town square from 10am until 4pm.