AN Easter Ross town is already gearing up for its next community market following the success of last weekend's Halloween-themed affair which attracted 460 visitors and 22 stallholders.

Tain's community market, now in its third year and originally set up as a way of selling local produce and goods while enticing people into town on a Saturday, has also been credited with increasing footfall for other businesses.

Dave Macrae, community liaison officer at Tain and District Development Trust, said: "I look forward to organising the market each month. The atmosphere is fantastic. It may be hard work for all the volunteers but it couldn’t take place without them and they are all committed to making Tain and district a more vibrant place to be.”

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Sarah Mackenzie of the TDDT board said: "We were delighted to see so many people come out to support their local market regardless of the weather. We know how important the market has become to our local community and local businesses and it is important for us to keep the event going for as long as we can.

"The team and community volunteers have worked extremely hard to organise and run a safe event under the new Covid-19 restrictions without taking away from the fun and warm atmosphere on market day."

Fostering a close relationship with businesses and groups within the area remains a key goal in increasing the social and economic impact to the local area. Gordon Forbes, of Forbes Jewellers in Tain, welcomed the event and said: “We have seen a definite increase in footfall into the shop on market days and it's nice to see the High Street busier too.”

Stallholders included three local charities. Track and trace records were kept to comply with guidance and many entered the spirit of Halloween by wearing fancy dress.

The TDDT team are in the process of organising its third Christmas market, set to take place on Saturday, November 28 from 11am - 3 pm. Local community groups and businesses interested in being part of it can get in touch with a member of the team based at the Tain Community Enterprise Hub on Stafford Street.

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