More than 20 businesses sign up for Caithness Market showcase in Wick
More than 20 businesses have signed up for the Caithness Market taking place in Wick next weekend.
It will provide a showcase for business owners offering a range of services – such as jewellery, art and photography, clothing and accessories, health and wellbeing, toys and home décor – as well as benefiting a local charity.
The market will take place in Mackays Hotel on Friday, October 28, between 5pm and 9pm.
The sum of £220 has been raised from participating business donations and this has been added to by Mackays Hotel owners Murray and Ellie Lamont waiving the function room hire charge – so in total £295 will be donated to Friends of Thor House, the charity chosen by public vote earlier in the year.
Several businesses will be offering new and exclusive products, and customers can pre-order Christmas gifts.
Eleanor Hargrave, a member of the Caithness Market organising team, said: “We have 21 businesses participating in the Caithness Market, and we’re excited to welcome a wide selection of businesses offering a range of products and services.
"It’s definitely worth popping down next Friday night to have a browse.”
Beverley Miller, of Baby Bliss – also a member of the Caithness Market organising team – said: “We are so grateful to have the support of Mackays Hotel for holding the Caithness Market.
"It was such a lovely gesture of Murray and Ellie to waive the venue hire fee and this will be added to the business donations for Friends of Thor House."
The participating businesses are Susan Marshall Ceramics, Elimack, Mi Designs (Moray), Marks and Pencils, Sheelagh Paterson Art, No. 16 Crafts, Fascination, Baby Bliss, Coastline, Beauty and Party with Sab – Body Shop, The Country Spa, Caithness Aromatics, Caithness Candle Company, Abbeycrafts, Nic Naks, AE Jewellery, The Fairy’s Workshop, Boujee Beads, North Coast Clay Designs, K Allan Properties and The Little Hope Gift Shop.
Coastline will be bringing its fashion truck and parking outside the hotel.
Originally started by Lisa Poulsen of Inspired by Caithness, and latterly organised by a group of business owners and volunteers, Caithness Market ran virtual markets to support the local business community.
These were held from May 2020 until February 2022, and saw businesses promote their products and services from their homes on Facebook and Instagram.
Each market also raised money for a charity chosen by public vote from the participating businesses' sign-up fees. Over £3500 has been raised for 11 local charities during this time.
More information, including details on participating businesses at next Friday's in-person event, can be found at https://ahighlandblend.com/caithness-market and on the Caithness Market Facebook and Instagram platforms.