A day at the Farmers' Market

Round these parts we have a weekly Farmers' Market that takes place on Saturdays. While it can’t quite yet rival the markets of say France, the flatmate and I were impressed by the wide range of ethically and locally sourced produce on display. Produce that ranged from organic and free range meats, including venison and ostrich, eggs, vegetables, fruit, Isle of Arran cheeses and preserves.

Navigating the market is easy as it takes place on one long strip, allowing for an eclectic mix of locals, tourists and foodies alike to enjoy the various producers’ wares. As well as food there are stalls selling organic and natural bath and body products for the conscious beauty enthusiast. We were thrilled to discover that the vegetables we bought were significantly cheaper than if we’d got them at the supermarket. And frankly, you’re not likely to see the wonderful characters at the market down your local Tesco Metro. So everyone’s a winner.

This lady was already being photographed by her husband, so Dora felt it was a gift of a picture.

The rather trendy ladies selling strawberries, raspberries and jams.

The vegetable stall.

Judging by the numbers of people having spiritual experiences over the burgers, I gathered that they are something of a draw, so I headed for the nearest Aberdeen Angus stall - the rather suggestive ‘Well Hung and Tender’ where I purchased one such burger with cheese and onions. I can only report good things. The flatmate, a lifelong vegetarian even had a bite.

At home we decided to put our farmer's market produce to good use by turning it all into a spicy Thai red curry with prawns.

And the result. We both agreed that given the origins of most of the ingredients, that this was possibly the freshest and most herby curry I've made. To use Dora's phrase it was indeed, 'an ethical success!'

All images are by Dora Petherbridge.