By Mike Donachie

THE COMMUNITIES around Kinross claimed a Scottish first yesterday by declaring themselves the first county in Scotland to gain Fairtrade status.

The historic county of Kinross-shire, now part of Perth and Kinross Council’s area, is offering a guarantee that everything sold there has involved fair treatment of producers around the world.

The announcement came after a popular campaign which saw local businesses add their pledges to co-operate, and means socially conscious people have an extra reason to visit the area.

The success follows Aberfeldy’s announcement as Scotland’s first Fairtrade town, and is part of a nationwide movement towards ensuring foreign workers are not exploited.

Mrs Pat Payne, a leading member of the Kinross-shire Fairtrade committee, said, “Everyone on the committee is delighted that our efforts have proved successful. The Fairtrade Foundation have confirmed we are Scotland’s first Fairtrade county.

“I am very pleased and grateful for the support offered by all the Kinross-shire businesses and organisations we have contacted during the campaign.”

Committee member Margaret Meade emphasised the community effort behind the campaign. She said, “The Kinross-shire churches have long been strong supporters of Fairtrade, and this gave us a very good start.

“Now that all our supermarkets will have fairly traded products on their shelves, and many of our service businesses such as restaurants and bed and breakfasts have agreed to use Fairtrade goods, we have clearly met the criteria set by the foundation.”

Local councillor Willie Robertson, who has also been involved with the initiative, said, “The Kinross-shire Fairtrade committee have done a great job . . .

“They have worked tirelessly in getting Kinross-shire Fairtrade status and encouraging so many businesses and organisations to use and sell fairly traded products,” he said.

“Perth and Kinross Council are firm supporters of the aims and objectives of the Fairtrade Foundation. It has already been agreed by the council that signs will be erected at the major entrances to Kinross-shire announcing both that you are entering the county of Kinross and that you are entering Scotland’s first Fairtrade county.”

In its report the Fairtrade Foundation said of the Kinross-shire committee, “You deserve special recognition for involving so many local bed and breakfasts, as this will have a tremendous impact in a tourist area like Kinross-shire.

“Your involvement of Kinross High School students is also an excellent way to generate greater awareness of the Fairtrade mark.”