Stonehouse Market gains support from windfarm operator
A popular community craft market which is now celebrating its first anniversary has been praised for supporting and showcasing local businesses and drawing crowds of shoppers to a South Lanarkshire village.
Stonehouse Market, which takes place in the community graden on King Street and was first held in June 2024, is led by the area's business association and has a range of traders queuing up to take part with their products ranging from cakes and candles to pet treats and unique handcrafted items.
It received a £6500 grant from South Lanarkshire's Renewable Energy Fund with support from local windfarm operator OnPath Energy, who highlighted the community project's success in helping to revive the town centre "by supporting small businesses, promoting greener shopping and attracting crowds'.
The Keep It Stonehouse market runs on the second Saturday of the month from May to September, with organisers also planning an additional Christmas market – with the next event taking place on June 14 from 10am to 2pm.
A total of 14 stall spaces are available under its licence, so the event is regularly oversubscribed with a waiting list for potential traders. Regular stallholders include Unique 2 U, Missy's Melts, Fab Fancies, Cakes by Rebecca, Mecoco, Made with Love by Angela, Whippet Clean, Perfect Pup Pals, Windy Wizzen's Emporium, the Auld Stanehoose Cafe, K&G Crystal Portal and Davies Laser & Engraving.
Now a regular fixture in the local calendar with its colourful traditionally-striped stalls, it also includes free family entertainment such as face painting and balloon modelling to add further attraction to market day, while the events have also encouraged nearby businesses to open specially while they take place.
Stonehouse Business Association secretary Peter Ramsay said: 'It's more than just a market – it's a focal point for the community, a place for neighbours to meet, support local talent, and enjoy a buzzing, family-friendly atmosphere right in the centre of the village.
'We were keen to bring something with character and colour, so we invested in old-fashioned, striped market stalls to give it that vibrant, traditional feel. The support from OnPath Energy helped us get the initiative off the ground, and it's gone from strength to strength ever since.'
Picture framer Peter added: 'There are more than 100 small businesses in and around Stonehouse, many hidden from view – the market gives them a stage and helps people appreciate the diversity of local goods made on their doorstep.'
The local business association was founded seven years ago to represent and promote local businesses and now has more than 40 members.
Organisers say the monthly market 'reflects its core aim, to showcase Stonehouse's enterprising spirit and to bring economic benefits back to the village centre' and hope to increase the number of stalls in future years.
Hamilton-based OnPath, which operates both the Kype Muir windfarm five miles south of Strathaven plus Middle Muir, near Douglas, contributed to the market through the Renewable Energy Fund (REF) administered by South Lanarkshire Council.
Partnerships and community manager Aileen McCreadie said: 'We're proud to support local projects like this which demonstrate the value of community-driven regeneration – Stonehouse Market is an outstanding example of how REF can enhance everyday life through sustainable and inclusive initiatives.
'It encourages people to adopt greener shopping behaviours and give back to their local communities, and it will no doubt prove to be a popular destination over the summer. Initiatives like this help reduce travel to out-of-town retailers, cut down on packaging waste, and shine a light on the quality and creativity of local producers.
'By supporting small, independent businesses, markets like this make sustainable choices easier and more enjoyable for everyone.'
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