Photo on left shows Committe Members, Bily Adron, Kathy Gledhill and Sandy Ingram.
Farmers & Produce Market
Stonehaven Business Association was instrumental in introducing the Farmers and Produce Market to the town. Local Busines Support Officer, Jacqui Christie and SBA Committee Member, Maureen Brown, helped to set up a committee chaired by Bridge of Muchalls organic farmer John Fraser and medal winning jam-maker Kathy Gledhill of Kathy's Cornucopia as secretary.
Stonehaven first gained the right to hold a weekly market by an Act of the Scots Parliament in 1663. These gatherings of farming folk used to be held on a Thursday in the Market Square.
The first modern-day farmers and produce market was held on Saturday 2nd April 2005 and will continue to run on the first Saturday of every month from 9am to 1pm.
As well as a change in day, another slight move from tradition is the location of the market - it is to be set up on the road on the north side of the square, outside the British Legion and Bank of Scotland premises.
The opening to the Market Square would not be closed and there should be little restriction of movement to traffic.
The market is very similar to other markets running very successfully in Aberdeenshire, with a mix of high quality goods, including quite a lot of organic produce.
Traders have conform to strict health and hygiene regulations and stalls are equipped with chill cabinets and wash hand basins.
It is hoped the market would prove self-financing with stallholders' fees covering costs such as advertising and the purchase and maintenance of the stalls.
Mrs Christie said she was delighted with the launch of this new venture and stallhoilders reported brisk trading with many sold out well before 1pm.
Markets create bustle and activity in the town centre and the good weather brought crowds from far and wide ensuring the first Market was a great success.
The stall holders for the very first Market were:
Kathy's Cornucopia (Roadside of Catterline) offering award winning chutneys, jams and pickles.
The Harbour Bakery (Stonehaven) the newest bakery in Stonehaven will be offering their speciality rolls and other bakery products.
Neil Gammie (Fernieflatt Farm, Kinneff) offering potatoes and fresh vegetables.
Delicious Baking (Laurencekirk) offering home baking and beautifully presented cakes.
Huntly Herbs (Huntly) fresh organic herb plants and organic speciality potatoes
Crannoch Bakery (Cambus O' May, Nr Aboyne) Organic Speciality Breads
M & I Williamson, Milton of Lesmore (Rhynie) Beef products, eg sausages, mince, steaks, and more.
Billy and Jill Adron (Banchory) Free range chickens. Also turkeys for Christmas. Award winning Tilquhillie Puddings (steamed puddings), muesli.
Molly Gunning's (Stonehaven) Tea/coffee, bacon rolls, speciality cullen skink, home bakes and more
D & G Davidson, Cairnhill (Rosehearty) Free range eggs, organic cheese, honey, and more
Sandy Ingram, Ingram's Homecure (Newburgh) Pork products, eg sausages, bacon, mouthwatering hams and more
Ken Howie, Cairnton Aberdeen Angus Beef (Dess, nr Aboyne) Beef products eg sausages, delicious steaks, mince and more
Casa Marchini (Stonehaven/Aberdeen) Delicious ice cream.
A local Stonehaven Business Association member Mr Steve Hurrell of HIDAT, Mary Street, Stonehaven has been given the contract to take up and dismantle the stalls for the group. Mr Hurrell said he is delighted to be part of the Farmer's and Produce Market, which I believe will be very positive for Stonehaven
Many of the producers will be regular attendees at the market, but there will also be space for more seasonal local produce eg. summer fruits, to be part of the market as they become available.
A new electric pop-up point has been installed in the corner of the Market Square funded by the Farmer's Market.
The market has received funding from Aberdeenshire Towns Partnership, SAB and The Stonehaven Common Good Fund.
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