News

Producers of Angus Markets (PAM) is celebrating a triumphant continuation of its newly launched produce markets in Montrose and Forfar.

The events are enjoying fantastic community support and resilience, following a major weather event in October.

Since the hugely successful September launch, the not-for-profit group formed by a collective of local food and drink producers has seen record-breaking crowds and sales at both market sites.

This success is a powerful testament to the public’s overwhelming desire for fresh, local food.

The commitment of PAM to the community was highlighted by its decisive action to Storm Amy.

When extreme weather threatened the Montrose market, PAM secured an indoor location.

This made it one of the few markets in the region able to go ahead.

The markets continue to be well-attended with the inaugural Forfar market alone welcoming more than 600 people to the new, more accessible Forfar Community Campus location.

This high level of attendance in both Montrose and Forfar, which saw many traders selling out by noon, demonstrates the markets’ crucial role in connecting local people with local food.

PAM’s dedication to supporting local food is vital as it contributes to community health, economic development and environmental sustainability, directly aligning with the principles of the Good Food Nation (Scotland) Act 2022.

And by performing a platform for direct producer-to-consumer sales, PAM is actively helping to safeguard the livelihoods of many local businesses, that collectively hold more than 30 Great Taste Award stars.

They work closely with their regional food group, Appetite for Angus, which supports, promotes and celebrates local fare.

Looking ahead, PAM is excited to announce a special event to usher in the festive period: the Kickstart Christmas Market next Saturday.

The larger market will feature not only a larger array of local produce but also live entertainment, engaging cooking demonstrations and fun activities for children.

Further cementing its future and and ability to develop the markets into thriving community hubs, PAM has been awarded more than £20,000 in funding from the Angus Rural Partnership, Firstport and the Williamina McLaren Trust.

This significant external funding will build upon the financial boost secured earlier this year from a Scotland Food and Drink grant.

This financial discipline and investment will allow PAM to improve infrastructure for both traders and visitors ensuring the markets continue to thrive.

“We are so proud of the resilience and spirit shown by our producers and our community,” said PAM chairwoman Fiona Walsh.

“Our commitment is not just to run a market, but to build a sustainable and resilient local food system that puts our award-winning producers at the heart of the operation, ensuring their livelihoods are secured for years to come.”

Next markets are: Kickstart Christmas, Forfar, Saturday November 22; Montrose, Saturday December 6; Forfar, Saturday December 13.

There are plans to start a Carnoustie market in the spring.

This article appeared in The Courier on 13 November 2025