A new farm shop selling a wide and varied range of local produce and crafts has opened in Rafford.
Marcassie Farm Shop, which is just before the village as you head out of Forres towards Dallas, will cater to a mix of locals, tourists and anyone that enjoys locally-made fare.
The new outlet is run by Gulli Skåtun, and doubles up as a reception area for the six lodges on site, and event venue.
Gulli said: “There are so many wonderful artisan creators and food producers living in the local area as well as here at Marcassie, and as is often the way, the creating is usually the fun part but the selling and marketing is another story!
Time is right
“We decided that it was time to create a shop where we could platform what we have here, as well as showcasing local producers and artists.
“There is currently no shop in Rafford, so we also hope to provide a service to locals who might want to pop in for a few staples and a treat here and there.
“Bringing in a bit of our Scandinavian roots, the ethos of the shop is ‘Hygge’ which translates from the Norwegian as ‘cosy’ but encapsulates a sense of slowing down, appreciation of beauty, care, quality, and connection to self and heritage.”
The shop opens with a well-stocked range, including:
- Marcassie’s own home-grown, organic produce, preserves and cordials
- Free-range eggs from Lower Mill of Tynet;
- Organic milk, cheese, yoghurt and butter from Grahams and Connage Dairys;
- Fresh Bakehouse bread,
- Soft drinks including Gut Feelings Kombucha,
- Freshly baked cakes;
- Coffee from Green Bridge Organics, as well as fresh coffee and hot chocolate;
- Hot and cold food to go, sweet and savoury snacks, dry goods;
- Meat from Thorabella Farm in Dallas;
- Bee Home Cottage soaps and face creams;
- Homemade wood and wool products from our own sheep;
- Willow products from Naturally Useful;
- Handmade cards and artwork by Ailsa Kay, Anny Rideout and Carola Splettstoesser;
- Hand whittled bird callers by Gerry Cross;
Mushroom tinctures and gummies by Love Mushrooms; - Handmade leather products;
- And more to come!
The farm shop is part of the Marcassie Farm Project which was set up to create and maintain a centre for the nurture and development of heritage crafts, creative and culinary arts, enabling, supporting and encouraging environmentally sustainable, land-based enterprises which operate in harmony with the natural world, and provide learning opportunities in how to utilise resources innovatively and creatively.
Gulli is part of the family team that runs Marcassie, and includes her mother Betsy, father Sven and brother and market gardener Brage.
Shop opening times are Wednesday to Friday 12 noon to 6pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm.
