Producers of Angus Markets Celebrate Triumphant Return of Local Markets to Montrose and Forfar, Aligned with Good Food Nation Principles

A new era for local produce markets has begun in Angus, with the newly formed not-for-profit group, Producers of Angus Markets (PAM), celebrating the huge success of their inaugural markets in Montrose and Forfar. The group, formed by a collective of local food and drink producers, stepped in to fill the void left by the sudden closure of Angus Farmers Markets, which had served the community for over two decades.

The relaunch has been met with an overwhelming show of support from the local community, with both markets experiencing record-breaking crowds and sales. The success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the PAM team, who have revitalised the markets with a focus on putting Angus producers at the heart of their operations, directly aligning with the principles of the Good Food Nation (Scotland) Act 2022. This landmark legislation aims to create a food system where people from all walks of life take pride and pleasure in, and benefit from, the food they produce, buy, cook, serve, and eat each day. By connecting local people with local food, PAM is providing a vital service that contributes to community health, economic development, and environmental sustainability.

The first market in Montrose, held at the Ballhouse carpark, was a resounding success. Shoppers descended on the market early, creating a bustling atmosphere and ensuring a swift trade for producers. Most traders reported selling out by noon, with one long-standing trader commenting it was their busiest market in over 20 years of trading. The immense turnout demonstrates a clear public desire for fresh, local food and the positive impact that direct producer-to-consumer sales can have on the local economy.

In Forfar, the excitement was palpable. Over 600 people visited the new, more accessible location at the Forfar Community Campus. The crowds had to be held back for the 10am opening, which was officially opened by Angus Provost Craig Fotheringham. Visitors enjoyed not only the wide array of local produce but also live entertainment from local singer Anona McKenzie. One lucky resident, went home with a beautiful hamper of prizes curated from the producers at the market, following a free prize draw activity. The move to the community campus not only provides a more accessible location for shoppers but also reinforces the markets' role as a community hub, a key goal of the Good Food Nation Act.

Fiona Walsh, Chair of Producers of Angus Markets, expressed her delight at the reception. “We are absolutely thrilled with the success of our first markets,” she said. “The response from the public has been phenomenal. We knew there was a huge appetite for local produce, but the turnout has exceeded all our expectations. Our mission is to put local producers back at the heart of our food system, providing a sustainable and resilient way for people to access high-quality, local food. It’s an approach that is in perfect harmony with the Good Food Nation Act and shows how local initiatives can make a real difference in our communities. We are so proud to have a fantastic selection of award winning producers who collectively hold more than 30 Stars from the coveted Great Taste Awards”.

Hayley Wilkes, Secretary of the group, echoed these sentiments. “The whole team has worked tirelessly to get these markets off the ground,” she commented. “From securing new locations and increasing our marketing activity to liaising with traders and the local authorities, it’s been a massive effort. Seeing the markets so busy and hearing the positive feedback from both shoppers and producers makes all the hard work worthwhile. These

markets are a win-win: they support our local economy, reduce food miles, and give the public direct access to the fantastic produce that Angus and the surrounding area has to offer.”

Jeni Fallone, the group's Treasurer, highlighted the importance of a sustainable financial model. "We're a not-for-profit, and our main focus is safeguarding the future of these markets for our community," she said. "We're maintaining tight control of our finances and actively seeking external funding opportunities. We've already had a huge boost from a successful grant application to Scotland Food & Drink, which we secured in collaboration with our local regional food group, Appetite for Angus. This grant has been instrumental in helping us rebrand, improve our advertising, and enhance our marketing efforts. This financial discipline allows us to invest in infrastructure and improve facilities for both our traders and our visitors, ensuring the markets continue to thrive."

Looking ahead, Producers of Angus Markets will run monthly markets in Montrose on the first Saturday of the month, and in Forfar on the second Saturday of the month. In November, the regular Forfar market will be replaced with a larger, special market on Saturday, 22nd November.

For more information, visit the Producers of Angus Markets website at www.producersofangusmarkets.co.uk.

COMMENTS FROM VISITORS & PRODUCERS

"It's so great to have the markets back. I've missed being able to buy direct from the producers. The atmosphere was fantastic, and I picked up some amazing products."

Montrose Resident

"The new location in Forfar is brilliant. It's so much easier to get to, and there was such a great buzz. The variety of produce was fantastic."

Forfar Resident

"I've been trading at these markets for years, and I've never seen anything like it. The crowds were amazing, and I sold out of everything by lunchtime. The new group has done an incredible job."

Anona Gow, Pitscandly Venison