Janie brings a ‘wee’ bit of Scotland to Darwen Market

Business is booming at Darwen Market with three new traders recently taking up pitches.

One of those, Janie Cookson, recently opened a Scottish food stall, Wee JJJs, after trips north of the border gave her the seed for the idea.

Says Janie: “I had a friend who gave me £50 whenever I went to Scotland and told me to bring back some bread, haggis or other Scottish food. I did some research and discovered that, according to the 2001 census, 26 per cent of people in Darwen are Scottish. That seemed like an interesting niche so I decided to go for it.”

Janie, whose background is in catering, set up the stall with the help of No Limits, support for new businesses.

Determined to keep things authentic she forged links with suppliers north of the border and now has produce sent direct from Scotland. She says: “I source the food from Edinburgh, Glasgow, all over really. The deliveries usually take about two days; all the produce comes down fresh and chilled.”

So far, business has been good. Says Janie: “Feedback from customers has been good, they’re happy there’s a stall like mine here. The most popular items have been Scottish morning roles, Scotch pies and puddings.”

With her stall now up and running, Janie is looking forward to the future. She adds: “The is the first stall I’ve had on Darwen Market. I’m happy to be here though, it’s good place to do business from.”

Darwen market boasts over 90 stalls under cover, offering an amazing variety of produce and specialist items. Parking is also free.

Visitors can expect to receive a warm and friendly welcome and an attentive and uniquely personal service from the stall holders, many of whom have long standing associations at the market; sometimes stretching back through generations.