MORE than 600 people were attracted to an outdoor Easter Ross market which saw some stallholders do as well as they ever have regardless the restrictions around the coronavirus crisis.

And plans are already being laid for a special Halloween-themed event for next month if coronavirus restrictions permit.

With a contact tracing system in force for the community market organised by Tain and District Development Trust (IDDT) on Saturday, visitors felt secure about supporting local businesses.

A total of 22 stallholders – many local to the Tain and Easter Ross area but some from as far afield as Inverness and Lybster – attended. Amongst them were four community groups whose stalls were paid for by the local community council to provide them with a public platform.

There was a good response from the public with IDDT hailing the local community spirit. It said: "Thanks to everyone who came to the community market. It was great to see the town so busy."

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Dave Macrae of IDDT said the Rose Garden event normally runs from April until September, a plan this year curtailed by the coronavirus lockdown.

But he said hopes are high for a Halloween-themed event on October 31, all being well.

He said feedback had been good, people were glad to get out and about while feeling safe.

Karen Abbott was amongst those taking to Facebook later to share her thanks. She wrote: "Fabulous day – so well organised!! Thank you."

News from Sutherland

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