Huntly Hairst saw record sales and glorious sunshine
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RECORD sales and an estimated crowd of 3500 make this year's Hairst a roaring success.
With the sun shining, the town centre was a hub of activity on Saturday for the 20th year of the festival which celebrates food and harvest traditions.
Stalls selling food from farm shop burgers and bacon rolls to bubble tea, cakes, kombucha and artisan coffees there was something for everyone.
Chair of the event Pat Scott said: "We are delighted with how Hairst in The Square went and know how very lucky we were to get such a fine day.
"It brought visitors to the town and time and again local people said how pleased they were to see the town buzzing for the day and how much they were enjoying Hairst."
And the event proved to be a fruitful day for sellers.
Pat Scott commented: "Stall holders told us of their record sales with Huntly Hairst far outstripping some larger events. Several stalls were sold out by lunchtime. Haydn’s Pizzas, who every year take more stock, said he sold more at Huntly than he has done at any other event."
Not only did the tremendous footfall benefit the stall holders, but it also had a positive impact on businesses in the town.
Jacqui from Train and Treat Dog Store on Gordon Street commented about the day: "We were so busy in our dog store and were so well supported by locals. We managed a look around the market and were blown away with how busy it was."
With each year, the event evolves and businesses play a big part in supporting that. Pat praised Orb's Bookshop, Huntly Christian Fellowship and Wee Toots for their contributions in providing activities for young ones on the day.
Food is always at the heart of Huntly Hairst and this year 170 free recipe bags were given out ahead of the day as well as a free children's pizza workshop.
Pat added that food demonstrations on the day are a focus of the committee. She explained: "The programme set out to address food poverty issues and guest chef Tim Maddams hosted a cookery demonstration for a family meal on a budget. There were some technical issues but we would like to grow the cookery side of Hairst and try to give the Stovies Championship a better profile as part of this but we as a committee need to work out how we achieve this.
"We are lucky to be able to secure funding from the variety of sources to lay on the free event and hope that our funding partners will continue to support us."
Behind the scenes teamwork
Teamwork is vital to the running of the popular annual Hairst and without the behind the scenes efforts, the day would not go ahead.
Chair of Huntly Hairst Pat Scott said: “Hairst is organised by a very small committee with Laura McNeil as our part-time organiser, but on the day we once again had great fetching and carrying support from the ATC, Addison Electrical helped with power connections and Fiona Murray ensured toilet facilities were maintained throughout the day.
“This kind of support is key to the continued success of Hairst and if anyone having enjoyed the event is interested in becoming involved they should e mail hairst@huntly.net.”
Katrina McLellan of Pure Decadence by Loch Aurora was there selling bespoke fudge, Scottish tablet and various treats. She said on the day: “I was so grateful for help setting up my stall by the ATC. They work so hard getting everything unloaded and gazebos up. It makes such a difference.
“There is always such a good atmosphere here and the stall has been really busy.”
Maureen Ross, who was one of the organisers of Orb’s events on the day – including readings by children’s author Aaron Gale and face painting – thanked the shop’s neighbours for their kindness.
She said: “The Hairst relies on everyone pulling together and we are so thankful to the Post Office next door for allowing us to use the alley for our face painting customers. We also had a team of painters who made the day work and really kind and patient parents and children waiting in the queues.”
Hazel McIntosh and John Porter of Huntly Community Council had a stall in The Square to drum up interest in representing the town.
Hazel said: “It’s so good to see the town centre so busy today.
“We really need more people who care about our community to come on board the community council and help us get the views of residents across.
“At the moment we don’t have enough of a range of ages. We’d like to see more young people representing the town.”
If anyone wants to get involved they can email huntlycommunitycouncil@googlemail.com.
For two farm food stall holders, the event was a real boost.
Louise Urquhart of Louise’s Farm Kitchen said at her stall: “The weather has been amazing and there’s been such a good buzz all day.”
There were mixed emotions for Edendiack Farm Shop as this was their last Hairst with the business owner moving on to something new.
“I’ve done seven years of Hairst,” said Lynsey Carroll at her Edendiack stall. “It’s always great. I love seeing the town centre so alive with people.”
Crafters also packed into The Gordon Arms in a stunning showcase of talent.
Smiling faces despite Sunday being a washout
Not everything went to plan during Hairst weekend and despite the glorious sunshine on Saturday, Sunday was a washout.
As part of an extended programme, Leith Hall and gardens had planned to host a cycle-themed picnic with stalls and attractions to coincide with Hairst as well as the Tour of Britain, with cyclists passing Huntly area on the Sunday.
While no picnic took place, there were still die-hard event organisers there in their waterproofs putting on a brave face and offering goods and smiles to the few who did make it out to Leith Hall.
Hairst chair Pat Scott said: "The importance of the weather cannot be understated and we were disappointed that the torrential rain on Sunday morning forced us to reluctantly cancel the event at Leith hall."
Business owner Austin Morley, who took his artisan coffee can to Leith Hall in the downpour said: "It's a shame to see today so quiet. Yesterday was really busy and productive.
"It's just the nature of these outdoor events in Scotland. You have to accept both scenarios."
Austin's father James Morley, who was working at the stall, said: "It's a real shame about the weather, because Leith Hall is working so hard to put this location on the map and support local events. We need people to come out whatever the weather."
Also at Leith Hall were young brothers Rogan and Jay Huggins, who were being shown the workings of bikes by Gordon Rural Association's apprentice bike mechanic Adam Parkinson. They were undeterred by the rain and also went along to Kennethmont to await the cyclists from the televised AJ Bell Tour of Britain.
Among the dedicated audience waiting for a glimpse of the competitive cyclists was Stuart Masson of travel hub manager at Huntly Development Trust.
He said: "It's such a privilege that the tour visited Huntly area.
"Hopefully it will inspire folk to dig out their bikes and get out there. There's no excuses about the weather now when you see what they've had to cycle through today," he joked.
"Whether you're fit or unfit, or have mobility issues, there are ways. Ebikes are so good now and get people cycling whatever their ability."
