We Wish You a Merry Caithmass
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A new Caithness Facebook group, set up to try and boost Christmas sales for local businesses, is proving a hit with nearly 3000 members in the space of two weeks.
We Wish You a Merry Caithmass was set up by Wick woman Claire Fraser on September 6, and it quickly became popular with local people who had products to sell.
Claire Fraser (36) said: "On the first few days it just went mad. I was waking to 80-90 messages each morning. I didn't expect it to grow so fast."
She explained that she had got the idea from another group she was involved in and thought it would be good to set up something similar locally.
"They were doing it to sell their own stuff – no duplicates," said Claire. "I do things a little bit differently, I wanted all the people of Caithness to have a chance to be able to advertise on it."
Commenting on the positive reaction to the virtual shopping group, she said: "People really didn't know that we had so many of these things in the county."
With the current situation and little chance of the usual markets in the run up to Christmas, Claire, felt it was important to do something for the community.
"I have a disability at the moment and this has given me something to focus on," she said.
Among those joining the group are a number of local crafters and a few have already received new orders as a result of the page.
There are many festive themed items listed such as Christmas decorations, wreaths and candles, as well as numerous gift ideas, many of which can be personalised.
Those browsing the posts have expressed an interest in shopping locally this Christmas.
After receiving 472 members in just one evening, Claire posted: "Thank you to every one who has joined – let's come together and make this Christmas amazing."
As well as the group name being put to the vote, so was the choice of a local charity for fundraising with Caithness Mental Health coming out top.
Claire is being helped with the administrative work by Cheryl Trew and they are looking at a way of trying to categorise things so people can find items a bit easier. They are also planning to hold a virtual fair online.
The group has been contacted by Lisa Poulsen, of Inspired by Caithness, who has been organising the virtual Caithness Market and they hope to be able to collaborate.
Claire and her family have been involved in fund raising for the Caithness RDA group for over 10 years through the Dale Rosie memorial fund.