Local Councillor Has Christmas Wrapped Up With 'Made in Marr' Idea

At the instigation of an Aberdeenshire councillor, two Royal Deeside restaurants have joined forces with local crafts people to provide the ideal opportunity for relaxing dining while doing Christmas Shopping.

The Falls of Feugh restaurant in Banchory will host a ‘Made in Marr’ pop-up on Thursday 23rd November.

Owner/Chef John Chomba said:

“So many people say they just don’t know what to buy family and friends for Christmas as the shops all sell the same things so when Aboyne, Upper Deeside & Donside Councillor Geva Blackett approached me with the idea of hosting local crafts people, I thought this was a great way to invite people to buy unique gifts”.

Young entrepreneur Thomas Drummond’s new Bistro in the Learney Arms, Torphins will host pop-ups on Wednesdays 14th and 21st December and are designed to coincide the weekly food market.

Thomas Drummond said:

“I think this is a great way to bring people to Torphins – they can do their fresh food shop at the market, do some Christmas shopping at the Bistro and choose where to have coffee and lunch without the horrible queues and noise you find in the city”.

Made in Marr is the brainchild of Councillor Geva Blackett (SNP-Aboyne, Upper Deeside & Donside) who commented:

“The concept is really aimed at providing tourists with well made local souvenirs at a reasonable cost as well as helping talented crafters find a market for their wares. Quite a few men, in particular, have said they just don’t know what to buy their wives and girlfriends so I thought a Christmas pop-up might help them out”.

Stalls will vary over the three days but will include ceramics and glassware made locally by Listening Owl Pots; paintings, cards and other unique products from Mark4Art, baby and children’s clothing from Tracey Coutts-Trotters new range and beautiful leather goods by Kathy Greaves (http://www.klgdeehide.com).

Geva added:

“There is no charge to the stalls but each is being asked to bring a raffle prize so that John and Thomas can run raffles and raise money for local good causes of their choosing over the Christmas period and hopefully everyone will be a winner”.