After months of nominations, voting and judging, Country Life magazine – bastion of British culture and community – names Edinburgh Farmers’ Market winner in the quest to find Britain’s Favourite Farmers’ Market. Following an unprecedented number of public votes, six farmers’ markets across the UK reached the final shortlist for the competition.

The eventual winner was debated and decided

by Country Life’s panel of expert judges, all high-profile foodie personalities: Clarissa Dickson Wright, Tom Parker Bowles, the Countess of Cranbrook, Mark Hix, Shaun Hill and John Burton Race.

The criteria for judging were rooted in the ever- changing role and increasing importance of farmers’ markets in both the local community and the world of British food. All six finalists promote exceptional quality and pride in the range of fresh, local produce that they provide for locals and visitors alike, offering services that enhance the overall experience and promote sustainable British food in the UK.

TV presenter and author Clarissa Dickson Wright was selected to fly the flag for farmers’ markets in her home region, Scotland and the North:

“The competition was certainly strong, but Edinburgh was named Britain’s Favourite Farmers’ Market because it really represents the future of farmers’ markets in Britain. All produce is sourced from within a 50 mile radius – quite some feat for a capital city – and includes traditional farmers’ market fare, as well as specialist products and services such as the infamous Porridge Bar! Edinburgh farmers’ market is also held every week, allowing consumers to buy everything that they need from local producers in a community environment.”

Country Life magazine and property specialists Strutt & Parker have joined together on several previous campaigns, but the level of public support generated by the Britain’s Favourite Farmers’ Market competition has been unsurpassed.

Mark Hedges, editor of Country Life magazine, comments:

“Local food is attracting more interest than it has for a generation and is an issue increasingly at the centre of everyone’s thinking. Country Life and Strutt & Parker are delighted to sound the fanfare for farmers’ markets, which are the bedrock of local food success. Edinburgh Farmers’ Market represents the best that Britain has to offer.”

“We are thrilled that Edinburgh is the winner. We have had a long tradition with the rural communities of Scotland and were the first national firm to open an Edinburgh office in the 1960s when we became responsible for factoring estates and managing large commercial farms. The quality of farming and the produce Scotland produces has always been of the very highest quality,” adds James Laing, partner of property specialists Strutt & Parker.