Market traders kick up a stink over smokies

Published on Thursday 4 December 2008 22:01

THE smell of world-famous Arbroath smokies has sparked a row in a market town.

Shops and businesses in Lanark have hit out at organisers of the town's Christmas market for allowing a stall filled with the delicacy to trade on the High Street.

Around 12 businesses have signed a petition against the stall. They claim the waft of smoking haddock – which are tied in pairs and "smoke cooked" hanging from sticks over a hardwood fire – is annoying their customers.

But that has angered market organisers, who say the Arbroath smokies have been a massive boost and help attract a nationwide audience. The stall is run by the award-winning Iain Spinks and has become a fixture at the annual market since its introduction four years ago.

Lanark Christmas Market is one of Scotland's largest festive markets and attracts traders from across the UK. Around 8,000 visitors come to the town annually.

Last night Mary Boswell, the organiser of the market, questioned the thinking of local businesses who signed the petition.

In a letter backing the stall, she said: "The market is run by a very small group of volunteers. Despite repeated requests over the years, local businesses have never contributed to the 10,000 plus cost of running the event or any help with the logistics.

"The Arbroath smokies stall is by far the most popular attraction – the continual 20-deep queues from early in the morning until he sells out speaks volumes."