Arran has achieved Fairtrade island status.
Graham Tinto, chairman of the steering group committee, told the Banner: ‘After a long campaign since December 2007 Arran has been accredited by the Fairtrade Foundation and fulfilled the necessary criteria.
‘There are now more than 50 sites around the island that sell Fairtrade products or use them in catering or the workplace. This accreditation means that we can put signs up at the pier. Residents and visitors will be aware of the logo. The more Fairtrade business we generate the better it is for the initial producers.’
Graham said that they hope to have a declaration event in early September as an opportunity to say thank you and give a display of wares and show the extensive range of Fairtrade produce.
‘It’s not just tea, coffee and bananas,’ joked Graham.
