Dumfries Farmers’ Market is moving to Dumfries Railway Station from next Sunday April 1st(Easter Sunday) between 11am and 3pm. Twenty-six food, drink and craft producers are so far confirmed as attending the inaugural railway station market, which will see stalls set up under the Victorian pavilion, to the left of the ticket office.
The relocation has been made to bring the farmers’ market, one of the largest in the south of Scotland, within walking distance of Dumfries residents. The announcement has drawn widespread support from the local community and has seen a surge in interest from traders.
Dumfries Farmers’ Market was launched in September 2011 and has been based at Tarff Town & Country since then. Chair of the market, Sarah Burchell of lamb producer Annanwater, said that making local food and drink more accessible to local people was the driving force behind the relocation, she commented:
“Over the past couple of years customers have been telling us that they’d prefer a more central location and the Station gives us exactly that, putting us within walking distance for many people and providing a degree of weatherproofing from the elements too. So the time is right to bring the market closer to the people of Dumfries.
“We are delighted to be working with the Station and we look forward to creating an exciting farmers’ market experience in Dumfries; one that focuses on quality, provenance and accessibility of local produce.
“It’s the shopping experience that makes farmers’ markets so appealing, and getting the right venue is an important part of that experience. We’ll be focussing on providing a curated mix of food and drink, including some streetfood, available for customers to buy direct from the producer in a comfortable and accessible location.”
The produce available on Sunday will include locally produced lamb, hogget, bread, pies, jams, chutneys, milk, cider, cheese, soup, baked produce, chilli sauces, cakes, desserts, chocolates, shorthorn beef, smoked produce, ice cream, cider, gin and liqueurs. There will be a selection of plants for sale. Freshly roasted coffee and single estate olive oil will complement the locally produced food and drink. There will be a range of streetfood available, including savouries, pies, soups, ice cream and a milkshake bar. The food and drink will for the first time be joined by local crafts including stained glass, carved wood, garden items.
Lorna Young of DG Food and Drink said the move to the station marks a fresh start for Dumfries Farmers’ Market, she said:
“There’s been a surge in interest recently in locally produced food and drink across Dumfries & Galloway and it’s super to see Dumfries Farmers’ Market making local produce more accessible to local people.
“It’s a brave decision to move such a well established market to a new location, but I hope the new venue will encourage more people to try it out and to build a monthly trip to their local market into their shopping routine.
“Farmers’ markets are absolutely essential to the food and drink sector of our region. They are the foundation of the industry; places where new producers can launch their business and try out their products within an accessible and supportive environment. Producers selling direct at farmers’ markets have the opportunity to see first hand what customers are looking for when they shop, and local people get to experience the passion and the stories of the maker. Hearing the craft and the inspiration behind the products that you buy really does make shopping at farmers’ market a sensory experience completely unlike supermarket shopping.”
Dumfries Farmers’ Market takes place on the first Sunday of each month, from 11am – 3pm at Dumfries Railway Station. People are encouraged to walk or to cycle to the venue, but for those who need to bring a car free parking is available at St Mary’s Industrial Estate, next to the railway. Parking areas will be well signposted.
