The organisers of Balerno Farmers Market were full of good cheer as the December edition was a record breaker as nearly 2,000 people attended and the organisers have posted a thank you on social media.
In total, 1,840 made it to the Main Street on a dull but mild day to buy and browse. The popular fish van from Eyemouth was there along with meat, honey, bread, jam and pie stalls.
Seasonal items were on sale and a craft fair was housed in the adjacent Community Centre and there was a brisk sale of real Xmas trees in the nursery playground.
Local groups, including St Mungo’s, Curry Balerno Rotary and Pentlands Men’s Shed, also had stalls and a local choir provided carols.
A Balerno Farmers Market official wrote: “Thank you so much to everyone who made it along, all 1,840 of you giving us a new attendance record.”
The next market is on Saturday, February 14 and it is run by the Balerno Village Trust, a community-led organisation.
A Christmas Tree Festival, run by Balerno Children’s Gala, was also held in the nearby Ogston Hall and Pentland Scouts Beavers won with their traditional and eco-friendly approach which included pine cones.
A close second was the Currie and Balerno News tree decorated by Currie Primary School and The Grey Horse, a recently re-opened local pub/restaurant, was third with their unique entry featuring bottles and cans.
A spokesman said that several new entrants were noted this year and added: “The decorations, lights and general festive feel was bigger and better than ever.”
Santa was to be found at the back of the hall and more than 100 children visited and the event, in total, raised over £800 which helps run the annual gala and other events during the year.
