TBI Potato Day 2020

2020 Potato Day - Saturday 7 March

Julie Gibson, TBI Convenor and Potato Day organiser, reports

"Another successful Tattie Day for the Black Isle, with a queue waiting for the doors to open at 11am, and over 200 through the door (and some out again) in the first half hour (we were monitoring and mindful of Hall capacity).  Over 500 people through the door over the 4 hours, including many young children - it's great to see the next generation being introduced to growing their own vegetables. The tatties on sale included organic, blight resistant and locally grown varieties, and as usual were paid for by the tuber,  giving folk a chance to try out small quantities of different varieties.  

"The success of the day as always depends very much on the cheerful 30 or so volunteers (from the Black Isle and nearby but also from as far afield and Ardgay and Aberdeen) which includes the Planning Group and the willing folk who come and lend a hand on the day - and not forgetting the home cake bakers!  The cafe serving homemade soup, tea/coffee and home baking was much enjoyed by attenders. 

"Leftover tatties are taken round to local primary schools and there will still be some available to buy at the March Black Isle Saturday markets (see TBI website for dates and venues)."

We should perhaps add special thanks to Trish McKeggie, who has the important task of ordering the potatoes, James Dingwall for storage and transport, Lesley and Joy for their sterling work in the kitchen, Maggie and Toni for providing expert advice, and of course to Julie herself, who masterminds the whole operation with wonderful efficiency.

We would also like to thank the following local growers/suppliers for donations of potatoes: Callum at Drumderfit Farm, Donald Campbell at Resolis Mains and Steven Jack of Organic Potato Growers, Dalcross.

An impression of the day in pictures is in the gallery below.

PM