Top 10 Reasons Why People from Aberdeenshire Should Support Local Producer Markets & Small Businesses – The Backbone of Scotland

Aberdeenshire is a land rich in culture, community, and natural abundance. From rolling farmlands to coastal harbours, it’s no surprise that this region thrives on a strong tradition of local craftsmanship and agriculture. 

Local producer markets are at the heart of this tradition, offering a taste of the region’s best – quite literally. 

Here’s why it’s more important than ever for people in Aberdeenshire to show up and support their local markets and small businesses.

1. Fresh, Local, and Seasonal Produce

Local markets offer fresh, seasonal food grown or made just a few miles from where it’s sold. You’re not just buying a carrot—you’re buying the taste of Aberdeenshire soil, the care of local farmers, and the freshest flavours possible. Supermarkets can’t compare with that level of freshness and traceability.

2. Boosting the Local Economy

Every pound spent at a local market tends to stay in the community. It circulates through local jobs, suppliers, and services. Supporting small businesses means your money works harder to benefit Aberdeenshire rather than disappearing into distant corporate headquarters.

3. Preserving Heritage and Skills

Scotland’s rich traditions in farming, baking, butchery, brewing, and textiles are alive and well in local producer markets. Small businesses often carry forward time-honoured skills and heritage techniques that would be lost in a mass-produced world. Every handmade item or homegrown vegetable keeps that legacy alive.

4. Environmental Benefits

Buying local cuts down drastically on food miles and packaging waste. There’s less need for refrigerated transport, plastic wrapping, or overseas shipping. Supporting nearby producers is one of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint and help preserve Aberdeenshire’s natural beauty.

5. Better for Your Health

Locally sourced food is often grown with fewer chemicals, harvested at its peak, and less processed than supermarket alternatives. When you buy directly from a grower or maker, you can ask questions, learn how your food is made, and make more informed, healthier choices.

6. Real Human Connection

One of the best things about attending a local market is getting to meet the people behind the produce. You can shake the hand of the person who raised your beef, brewed your cider, or baked your bread. It’s a refreshing return to genuine connection in an increasingly digital world.

7. Unique, High-Quality Good

Small businesses take pride in their products and often prioritise quality over quantity. Whether it’s small-batch cheese, craft gin, hand-knitted scarves, or artisan soap, you’re likely to find items at the market that are made with care, creativity, and attention to detail.

8. Fostering Resilience and Self-Sufficiency

A community that supports its own producers and businesses is more resilient. During supply chain disruptions or economic shifts, communities like those in Aberdeenshire that buy local are better able to weather the storm. Supporting local producers helps ensure that we’re not overly dependent on global systems.

9. Encouraging Local Talent and Innovation

When people are given space to create and sell locally, innovation follows. Markets are a great testing ground for new ideas—whether it’s experimental baking, new flavours, or sustainable products. Many successful Scottish businesses got their start selling at a local market stall.

10. Supporting Scotland’s Backbone

Small businesses aren’t just quaint extras—they are the heart of Scotland’s economy. They make up 98% of all businesses in Scotland and provide more than half of private sector jobs. From craft breweries to family farms, their success defines the health of our communities and the culture of our country.

In Summary

For the people of Aberdeenshire, local producer markets offer much more than groceries or gifts—they’re about community, culture, and connection. Supporting small businesses helps ensure a vibrant, sustainable, and independent Scotland. Whether you’re after flavourful food, ethical shopping, or just a good chat with your neighbours, the next market day is the perfect place to start.

So grab your tote bag and head down to your nearest market—you’re not just shopping, you’re investing in the future of Aberdeenshire.

📍 2025 Aberdeenshire Producer Markets:

• Huntly – 1st Saturday of the month, 10am–1pm

• Stonehaven – 1st Saturday of the month, 9am–1pm

• Peterhead – 1st Saturday of the month, 10am–3:30pm

• Inverurie – 2nd Saturday of the month, 9am–1pm

• Aboyne – 2nd Saturday of the month, 10am–2pm (April–October)

• Braemar – 2nd Sunday of the month, 10am–4pm (April–October & December)

• Banchory – 3rd Saturday of the month, 9am–1pm

• Ballater – 4th Saturday of the month, 10am–2pm (April–November)

• Ellon – 4th Saturday of the month, 9am–1pm (March–November)

• Macduff – Last Friday & Saturday of the month, 5:30pm–8:30pm (Friday), 10am–1pm (Saturday)

• Chapelton – Select Sundays (May, July, September, November), 11am–2:30pm

• Torphins – Every Wednesday, 10am–2pm