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Drumlanrig Farmers' Market
- A Magnificent Success by all Accounts!
PRESS RELEASE
Drumlanrig Castle Farmers’ Market is now set to become a regular programme hosting producers from all over Dumfries & Galloway and beyond, following the success of the introductory market. Sunday 30th March saw the largest Farmers’ Market in Southern Scotland held at Drumlanrig Castle, take off with huge success. With over 1400 attending the inaugural event, the majority of stallholders sold out within the first couple of hours.
With all vendors set to return and more wanting to attend, the number of stalls has jumped to 30, giving Dumfries and Galloway’s rural economy something to really shout about.
Bethan Peck, Market Organiser said: We couldn’t have hoped for a more successful day on the 30th. Having expected rain, to see the sun shine, the vendors beam and the continual stream of visitors, I can only hope this success continues and Drumlanrig Farmers’ Market creates a fantastic name for itself in terms of the choice, the quality, and the superb day out to go with it.
Chirstie Patterson, local producer of ‘A Taste of Galloway’ commented. “A market of this scale has been a long time coming to Dumfries & Galloway. Buccleuch Estates have provided the local producers and public with an amazing monthly event in the area and those involved should be applauded for their efforts to put a market of such a grand scale in place for the Dumfries and Galloway region.
Drumlanrig Castle provides the public with the perfect backdrop to a wonderful shopping experience - local Galloway beef, lamb & mutton from one of the Estates own tenants in Thornhill, veal & award winning rare breed pork from Sanquhar, fish from Dee, smoked meats from Solway Smokehouse, local delicious home bakers, cheese from Auchencairn, beer from Sulwath at Castle Douglas, wines from Langholm………..and so much more. Trying to coordinate an event like this and provide the quality of local produce on offer must have been no easy task, the Estate have certainly excelled themselves in providing this event.
From a producers point of view it is excellent that we now have this facility in the region available to us. It’s hard trying to get your product and business known out there. We were struggling to get enough markets to sell our produce at, forcing us to travel outwith the area. It’s senseless that nearly every other region in Scotland provides both producers and consumers alike with large farmers’ markets, apart from Dumfries & Galloway. With the instigation of Drumlanrig, this is set to change.”
Unlike most markets which are held in the town, the novel thing about this market is it brings people out into the country, not only to buy the wonderful foods on offer, but to experience the beautiful outdoors of which Drumlanrig Castle is part. There is no other gorgeous setting in Dumfries and Galloway like Drumlanrig Castle and its grounds. The Duke of Buccleuch’s home farms have their livestock grazing the large parkland in front of the castle which is a fantastic advertisement to just how geared towards the future of farming Buccleuch Estates is.
A vast array of goods of superb quality were on sale ranging from breads, cakes and bakes, fresh vegetables, fish, meats, confectionary, cheeses and more besides.
As well as the expansion of the subsequent markets, musical entertainment will add to the ambiance with accomplished musicians playing, from the local Wallace Hall Academy.
Following markets will see the choices complete with plant stalls, a wider vegetarian selection, eggs of varying shapes and sizes, yoghurts and farmhouse dairy ice cream in time for the warmer summer months.
The Estate covers every aspect to ensure that it’s a day out for those who are looking for one. Besides the market, why not visit the plant centre and the beautiful gardens of Drumlanrig. If adventure is more to taste then hire a bike or join the nature trails with the Estate Rangers and go trekking through Drumlanrig woods. Finish the day with a tour of the Buccleuch Family Castle, and a snack from the Stable snack bar or Castle Kitchen Tearooms.
It’s now up to the people to keep coming and support the Farmers’ Market to keep the event going. The longer it runs and strengthens the bigger and better it will grow. Drumlanrig Castle provides a real local treasure to the public and now local producers too.
To make full use of these fantastic facilities on offer, Season passes are on offer at £20 until the end of April – that’s a full family pass to the Country Park, Adventure Playground, Farmers Market and much more besides.
Future markets are to be held on the following dates: Sunday 27th April 2008, Sunday 25th May 2008, Sunday 22nd June 2008, Sunday 27th July 2008, Sunday 24th August 2008, all from 11am - 3pm. Further dates are to be decided.
For further information contact Sandra Collinge or Claire Oram at the Castle Office - Tel: 01848 331555 or Email enquiries@drumlanrig.com