Hundreds flock to Tattie Day

25 February 2012

HUNDREDS of people descended on North Kessock to peruse the north’s biggest selection of seed potatoes on Saturday.

Organisers were astonished by the enthusiasm and sheer volume of people who rushed to select their spuds in when Potato Day opened on Saturday afternoon.

A total of around 400 people poured through the doors of North Kessock Hall for the event run by Transition Black Isle.

There were 60 varieties of seed potato on sale, ranging from the oldest known British variety available - Fortyfold, from 1836, to some of the newest, such as Trixie, from 2010.

Three times more tubers were sold than at last year's inaugural potato day at Culbokie. More than 80% of the stock went, with half the varieties selling out completely and nearly 1,500 paper bags were used by customers.

Buyers were impressed by the atmosphere of the event and delicious food, cakes and refreshments, as well as the vast array of potatoes on offer.

Susan Kruse of Strathpeffer said:  “There’s been a great atmosphere, with people talking and sharing advice and it’s fantastic to have the opportunity to choose from such a great variety of potatoes.”

“It’s been great fun - absolutely fab!” said allotment holder Diana Gray from Inverness. “I loved the chat and all the people mingling, trying to figure out which kinds to pick.

“Variety is the spice of life and I’m now looking forward to the excitement of watching all my seed tatties grow, from earlies through to the later varieties. Then there’s the joy of discovering all the different flavours and textures when you eat them.”

Lady Julia Mackenzie from the Black Isle said she would definitely be returning to next year’s Potato Day. “It’s a very good event and I am totally in favour of what Transition Black Isle is doing,” she added.

The remaining tubers will be available for people to buy at March's community markets in Cromarty on Saturday 10 March and Culbokie on 17 March. Among the 25 varieties available will be the popular salad spud Anya, which didn't arrive in time for Potato Day.

Organiser Agric Hadron said: "It's been hectic - and great to see the enthusiasm. People have come from all over the Highlands - Tomatin, Forres, Tain and beyond. I guess we'll have to do one every year after this. Big thanks to the local Black Isle growers who've supported tattie day."