Thurso 'buzzing' as local people and cruise visitors support craft market

A new craft market in Thurso's pedestrian precinct was hailed as a "huge success" and the organisers are already looking forward to the next one.

Monday's event was run by Craft North, consisting of two friends who each have a small craft business – Yvonne Rathbone, of Abbeycrafts, and Bronwyn Ross, of Caithness Candle Company.

It coincided with the visit to Scrabster of the cruise ship Ambition. Nine stalls were set up along the precinct in front of shops that are now closed.

Ms Rathbone and Miss Ross formed Craft North in order to run events showcasing the skills and talents of local artists, crafters and makers.

They hope further markets will appeal to cruise-ship visitors and boost the local economy.

"It was a huge success," Yvonne said after Monday's event. "Thurso was transformed and the atmosphere was buzzing.

"When a cruise ship docks, it's not just the passengers on board who benefit from the experience of visiting Thurso – the entire community can reap rewards from this influx of visitors.

"We believed that one exciting way to enhance the cruise-ship experience and boost the local economy was by setting up our precinct market.

"Cruise passengers often seek memorable experiences during their shore excursions. Our precinct market certainly provided an opportunity for unique encounters with locals and the chance to buy quality hand-crafted gifts and souvenirs from local small businesses."

Ms Rathbone emphasised that it was a team effort, with Thurso Community Development Trust providing gazebos and support at every stage.

"We also had volunteers from the community who, after a Facebook request, turned up on the morning to help all the stallholders set up the gazebos," she said.

"It was very much an event where everyone pitched in and lent a helping hand. For this we were very grateful indeed."

Ms Rathbone said local people and cruise passengers had enjoyed the "vibrant, bustling atmosphere", adding: "Such engagement not only enhances community cohesion but also makes the town more appealing to visitors.

"We wanted cruise-ship visitors to take with them not just locally made products but lasting memories and positive views of Thurso and Caithness.

"Incorporating our precinct market for when a cruise ship visits is a win-win strategy. Locals came out in force to support us, visitors were thrilled the town had put something on, and it really was quite emotional to see our hard work and efforts come to fruition."

Two more Craft North events are planned this autumn, both on the theme of "Shop in Style Evening". The first is at Mackays Hotel in Wick on Friday, October 27, and the second is at the Royal Hotel in Thurso on Friday, November 10.

Both events will feature 20 stallholders and will run from 5pm-9pm.

Ms Rathbone said: "Next year we will be doing more, especially for the cruise-ship visits."

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