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PRINCE CHARLES TO VISIT PERTH FARMERS' MARKET
The Duke of Rothesay will visit Perth Farmers' Market on Tuesday 1 st June as part of a day long engagement in celebration of the 800th anniversary of the granting of the Royal Burgh Charter to Perth .
The Prince, a strong advocate of farming and of seasonal local and organic produce will arrive to the sound of the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Market Organiser Adeline Watson said, “This is a great honour for us and reflects the efforts that we have put in to try and create a vibrant marketplace that is attractive for customers and allows local producers the opportunity to sell produce in their own area.
We are aware that The Prince has a great interest in this process. Locally produced food which helps sustain the rural economy and reduces environmentally damaging transportation is something we feel sure he will appreciate.
This is the first time the market has been held on a Tuesday and it will give us the opportunity to meet new customers who perhaps do not come in to Perth on a Saturday. Our stallholders are always keen to explain about their produce and how it originates.”
Perth Farmers Market was the first of its kind in Scotland , and has been the catalyst for the surge in markets, of which there are now between 50 and 60 running throughout the country every weekend. The Scottish Govt has recognised the fact that they have become an integral part of the agricultural sector, when Richard Lochhead announced a £200 000 investment in the Scottish Association of Farmers' Markets, SAFM, last year to help promote and coordinate the concept.
Perth Farmers' Market founder and SAFM co founder, Jim Fairlie explained, “The market has become part of community life in Perth and farmers' markets in general are helping to change our culture and peoples attitude to food. Being able to talk to our customers face to face is helping to bridge the divide that has developed over the years between the urban and rural populations. It encourages farmers to take the responsibility for what they grow by giving them the opportunity to meet the people who feed their families with the wholesome food we produce. That's a big responsibility which we producers should take seriously. With Perth being the first town to hold a farmers' market, the first to achieve Cittaslow status, and now the first Scottish farmers' market to play host to The Duke of Rothesay on an official visit, I believe we are proudly working towards the accolade of being Scotland 's food capital. I hope the Prince enjoys his day with us, and we can demonstrate that his passion for local, sustainable food and farming is something we share. I am sure his presence will attract a lot of people to this very special anniversary for Perth .”
25 Perthshire stallholders will be in attendance offering an array of local seasonal produce including organic meat and vegetables, preserves, raspberries and a selection of fruit wines.
One of the highlights of the day will be cooking demonstrations by local restaurateur Andrew Fairlie who has travelled round the world honing his skills before settling back in Perthshire, and his head chef Stephen Mclaughlin from Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Scotland's only 2 Michelin-starred Restaurant.
This special market is supported by Perth & Kinross Council, Scotland Food & Drink and the Scottish Organic Producers Association and will take place between 9am and 2.30pm in King Edward Street .
Perth and Kinross Provost John Hulbert said: ““Perth Farmers' Market is an important aspect of our city's life, and I am very pleased that the market is playing its part in Perth 800. This special event in our landmark year will highlight the quality of our local produce and our Cittaslow status, and I am sure it will be of great interest to His Royal Highness. I hope local people will come out to the first-ever market on a Tuesday when The Prince visits us next week.”
Paul McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Scotland Food & Drink, said:
"Farmers' Markets are an integral part of the quality food and drink offering within Scotland and it is superb to see this one being so well supported - even by royalty!
The Scottish Government is fully behind Farmers' Markets and collectively, as an industry, we must also ensure that we work to further boost their popularity. They are the ideal setting for urban and rural to meet and for people from all walks of life to be given the chance to buy some of the very best produce for their dinner table at an affordable price.”
John Hamilton SOPA Chairman commented, " We are delighted to champion local food producers by supporting this celebratory market. Many of our organic farmers have worked hard over the years to connect with local consumers, and we're proud to be involved in showcasing Perthshire's finest food and drink to The Duke of Rothesay".
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