A Crowdfunding project has been set up in the hope of establishing a monthly market and craft fair in Kirriemuir town centre.
Business owners Tina Williamson and Shaun Morris, who run a Fairtrade shop in Cumberland Close, hope to raise £3,000 by August 8.
Their ambition is to run a fresh produce and craft market on the first Saturday of the month in an attempt to bring more footfall to the town.
The market would not compete with businesses but would encourage more people to visit Kirriemuir and spend money locally.
Tina explained: “We are being very ambitious.
“We are hoping to create a monthly market, not just for the summer season, but keep it going through the winter.
“Every high street in the country is struggling, retail is never going to get back to what it was before.
“Individual business and trade associations have got to be realistic about that and think, ‘what can we do which will make towns, particularly those in a more rural location, ones people want to visit?’
“I think markets are one of the things which would definitely help the local economy.
“We want to encourage local food producers, fruit and vegetable growers. There are other farmers’ markets but Kirrie hasn’t had one for a long time so we thought, just go for it.”
If successful, the market would be situated in the sheltered courtyard area of Cumberland Close.
There would be an option to move into one of the town’s main halls in the winter if the weather is unfavourable outdoors.
Shaun and Tina are covering the costs of the market operator’s licence, public liability insurances and ensuring the market will meet all local authority standards and criteria.
They continued: “We are already investing our own belief, time and money, but we would like the market to have an immediate impact and get off to a flying start.”
The crowdfunding project is intended to raise some extra funding to invest in the scheme, to pay for some of the setting up expenses, extra hands to help, digital advice and advertising campaign.
“If we raise enough it would be great to include some entertainment and enhance the theme we decide to follow for the first event, to make the day more memorable and to encourage folk to come back again.
“We anticipate, after the first successful market, subsequent events will be self-funding.
“If the market is continuing to be profitable we will undertake to donate surplus funds back into other community causes.”
To support plans for a monthly market log on to
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/kirriemuir-town-country-market-1
Those pledging support can enter into a prize draw for a number of items which will be drawn on September 1.
