Scotland’s 15 Best Farmers’ Markets
With organic food and local produce more en vogue than ever, farmers’ markets are springing up across the country. They are a great way to pick up quality produce at a fair price and often sell a lot more than just fruit and veg.
1 Kelso Farmers’ Market
Where? Kelso Square
When? Last Saturday of the month, 9.30am-1.30pm
Showcasing some of the best fresh produce from the Borders, Kelso has a huge variety of stalls. From fudge to fish, and cider to chicken, the market is hugely popular (helped in part by its picturesque location in the town square). As well as foodstuffs, there are stalls with homemade crafts, body care products and fresh flowers. Well worth a visit – especially because there is free parking.
2. Aberdeen Country Fair
Where? Belmont Street, Aberdeen
When? First and last Saturday of the month, 9am-5pm
Attracting up to 30,000 people, this fair is one of the largest markets in Scotland. It initially began in 2000 in the courtyard of The Academy Shopping Centre, but after growing in popularity the market moved location. You can expect Aberdeen Angus beef (naturally), the best Scottish whisky, and lovingly handmade crafts. The rest of the produce is as fresh as you can hope for: with locally grown fruit and vegetables and fish landed at Aberdeen and Peterhead harbours.
3. Edinburgh Farmers’ Market
Where? Castle Terrace, Edinburgh
When? Every Saturday, 9am-2pm
At the foot of Edinburgh Castle, the striking location is as much an attraction as its produce. Now in its 17th year, the gathering now has over 60 stalls – selling everything from oatcakes to ostrich – and is the biggest farmers market in Scotland. There are cooking demonstrations on the first Saturday of the month, and samples and tasters to try. The market boasts of being listed by Lloyd Grossman as one of best farmers’ market globally.
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4. Campbeltown Farmers’ Market
Where? Royal Hotel Yard, Campbeltown, Argyll
When? First Saturday of the month, 10am-1pm
Perhaps unsurprisingly, given its coastal location on the Mull of Kintyre, seafood is a speciality. You can also pick up lamb, beef and tasty baked goods. The market was set up by local producers to create a meeting point for the community, but visitors are welcomed with open arms.
5. Inverness Farmers' Market
Where? High Street (Eastgate end)
When? First Saturday of the month, 9am-4pm
You might not expect to find fresh Mediterranean food at a Farmers’ Market in the Highlands, but that is exactly what is on offer in Inverness. There is also plenty of traditional farm produce, with the homemade marmalade from Rose Cottage kitchen a particular favourite. Be warned though, it is a little unusual. One of the marmalades is made with vodka – adding a certain kick to your morning toast.
6. St Andrews Farmers’ Market
Where? Argyle St Car Park
When? First Saturday of the month, 9am-1pm
This market is a great advert for the best of Fife’s produce, with farmhouse cheeses, organic vegetables and East-Neuk grown plants. In the summer, the market is also home to a pop-up restaurant: where you can eat before you buy or enjoy some drinks outside. If nothing else, the combination of smells from the market and the restaurant are sure to make you pretty peckish.
7. Loch Lomond Shores Farmers’ Market
Where? Loch Lomond Shores, near Balloch
When? First and third Sunday of the month, 10am-4pm
Home-baked breads, pies, and smoked fish. Situated on the bonnie banks, views of the loch are a highlight. If the weather is good then make sure you get there early: the market is open until four but the freshest produce goes early, especially if it is busy.
8. Glasgow Farmers’ Market
Where? Mansfield Park Square, Partick
When? Every second and fourth Saturday, 10am-2pm
Having been around since the 1990s, this is one of the best known markets in central Scotland. Well-served by public transport to the rest of Glasgow, it means that even those living in the middle of the city can easily access a taste of rural life. Fish, meat, cheese and jam are on offer but you can also buy a hot lunch, with gourmet hotdogs and pork baos made fresh from street food vans. Watch out for the Partick Community Festival – on one Saturday during the summer – when you can enjoy live music and a street party as you do your shopping.
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9. Stirling Farmers’ Market
Where? Port Street, Stirling City Centre
When? Second Saturday of the month, 10am-4pm
Gluten-free? You’re in luck. This market has a great selection of sans-gluten home baking, to ensure you won’t be left out of the fun of market shopping. There are also handmade wines, gins, craft beers and fresh veal and venison. And if that wasn’t enough, the RSPB sets up an informative stall at the market to help keep children entertained mid-shop.
10. Dornoch Community Market
Where? Cathedral Green, Dornoch
When? Second Wednesday of the month, 9.30am-1pm
Nestled on the Sutherland coast, this village market highlights the best of Highland produce and community spirit. Along with bread, cheese and locally-made chocolate, a variety of arts and crafts are proffered: jewellery, photography and handmade leather gifts. But the best bit of all? The deliciously fresh bacon rolls that you can munch on while you shop.
11. Perth Farmers' Market
Where? King Edward Street & High Street, Perth
When? First Saturday of the month, 9am-2pm
With nearly 50 stalls, this market is one of the larger ones. There is enough variety that you should be sure to find something to satisfy even the fussiest of customers, with many stalls offering samples to let you to try before you buy. Perthshire provides some of the most fertile land in the country, so there is a particularly good range of fresh vegetables and fruit.
12. Leith Farmers’ Market
Where? Dock Place, Leith
When? Every Saturday, 10am-5pm
This bohemian market can turn into a day out as well as a shopping experience: picking up artisan coffee from the Bearded Barista, having a browse at the independent artwork, and sitting down with a hot lunch from one of the many street food outlets. Japanese, French and Indian are all available for lunch options, as well as stalls selling classic street food like gourmet hot dogs. Non-meat eaters are well catered for, with a dedicated vegan quarter every first Saturday in the month selling a range of veggie products. But fear not, traditionalists: there is still a good selection of old-fashioned farmers produce like fruit, bread and meat.
13. Ayrshire Farmers’ Market
Where? River Street, Ayr
When? First Saturday of the month, 9am-1pm
One of the first farmers' markets in Scotland, Ayr’s well stocked selection is well worth a visit. It's notable for its high-quality meat (including grass-reared Ayrshire lamb) and speciality goats cheese, from the nearby village of Dunlop.
14. Dundee Farmers’ Markets
Where? City Square, Dundee
When? Third Saturday of the month, 9am-4pm
Dundee has everything you might expect from a farmers' market: eggs, vegetables and meat. But there is also something else up their sleeve in the form of an exceptional cheesecake stall. With a host of delicious favours (including chocolate orange, salted caramel and zesty lemon), it's worth a visit in itself.
15. Pitlochry Farmers’ Market
Where? Logierait, Ballinluig, Pitclochry
When? Third Saturday of the month, 10am-3pm
It might be small but Pitlochry has an impressively stocked market that holds up well against its bigger rivals. Coffee fans will particularly enjoy the stall from Cairngorm Leaf and Bean, offering deluxe coffee from an independent highland roaster.
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