Blunder to cost traders thousands

By Angie Brown
BBC Scotland news website, Edinburgh and East reporter

The Edinburgh Farmers' Market is held in the city's Castle Terrace

An administrative blunder could cost traders thousands of pounds after a popular farmers' market in Edinburgh was cancelled at the last minute.

Edinburgh Farmers' Market, held in Castle Terrace on Saturdays, will not run until a licence is granted.

It is understood the market has not had a licence since previous organisers Edinburgh City Centre Management handed it over to Essential Edinburgh in July.

The licence is granted to the company rather than the market.

It is not clear who discovered the market had been operating without a licence.

I am sure thousands of people will be hugely disappointed that they are unable to shop at the market this Saturday Jenny Dawe Edinburgh City Council leader

Organisers Essential Edinburgh apologised for the cancellation, but stressed "administration issues" would be speedily resolved and the markets would continue as usual in future.

A spokesman said an internal inquiry was being held into the matter.

He said: "We have discovered some issues in the paperwork for the event. On that basis, we have an obligation to cancel.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused, and we will be talking with each trader to ensure they are comfortable with the way ahead."

Graham Hamilton, from Mrs Hamilton's Organic Beef and Lamb, who has been a stallholder since the market started, told the BBC Scotland news website: "We were only told on Friday afternoon, which is very short notice.

"I'm just wondering what the administrative error is. This is a serious issue for ourselves and the other 50 or so businesses reliant on the market.

"They will have been preparing throughout the week for a market that isn't now likely to happen. I just hope it is restored back to normal by next weekend."

Late cancellation

Jenny Dawe, Edinburgh City Council leader, said: "It was Essential Edinburgh's responsibility to ensure it had a licence once it took over the running of the farmers' market.

"As soon as I was made aware earlier today of the cancellation I instructed council officers to see if there were farmers' markets within a 50 mile radius which can provide places to the traders who are unable to sell their goods on Saturday.

"It is my view that Essential Edinburgh should consider assisting traders with the unforeseen costs they have incurred due to the late cancellation.

"I am sure thousands of people will be hugely disappointed that they are unable to shop at the market this Saturday.

"I hope the situation will be resolved as soon as possible for traders and their potential customers."

Between 7,000 and 10,000 people visit the market, which has about 70 stalls, every week.

The market was due to start in March 2001 but was held back because of a foot-and-mouth outbreak.

It started in June 2001 as a bi-monthly market before changing to weekly in 2005.