Prince Charles reopens Mart

On Monday 8 August 2022 the East Sutherland village of Rogart welcomed The Duke of Rothesay to the re-opening of the former Auction Mart where up to 12000 lambs were sold in a single day in its heyday.  The Mart has been refurbished as a music and cultural venue, and still bears the hallmarks of the great days with the sale ring and tiered seating intact, with photographs adorning the walls.

Accompanied by Sutherland Lord- Lieutenant Major General Patrick Marriott, The Duke met local Highland Councillors, Community Councillors, members of Rogart Development Trust, members of the community and sons and grandsons of the Mart’s founders in 1936.

The Duke was entertained by accordionists from Monica Maclean’s Rogart Martistes, dancers from Rogart Primary School past and present, fiddle and accordion duo Eilidh Mackay and Georgie Maclennan, and singer Chrissie Allan.

After the toasts, plaque unveiling and ribbon cutting, The Duke then visited Rogart’s award-winning War Memorial, accompanied by local veterans.

Project Coordinator Kate Roach of Rogart Development Trust said, “It’s wonderful to see the Mart back into use in the heart of the community, and we are delighted that His Royal Highness The Duke of Rothesay was able to be here with us today, sharing a dram and the tales of yesteryear with local folk.”

RDT Chairman Jonathan Hedges said,” We are very grateful to our grant funders. This would not have been possible without the support of Scottish Land Fund, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Kilbraur Windfarm Community Benefit Trust, SSE, Architectural Heritage Fund and Scottish Hydro Electric Community Trust.”

Background

•    The aim of the visit is to re-open the Mart in Rogart, Sutherland, meeting as many of the local community during the event.

•    The former Auction Mart at Rogart has been refurbished and adapted to provide a community music and cultural venue.

•    Historically sheep and cattle were driven on foot to Falkirk Tryst and other places via the huge network of drove roads. Five local farmers persuaded the auctioneers, Reith and Anderson, to start a Mart at Rogart in 1936, with up to 12,000 lambs being sold in a single day. The present building was constructed in 1957. Auction days were an integral part of Rogart life bringing farmers together from all over the County. The Mart closed its doors in 2001 following the Foot and Mouth outbreak.

•    Rogart has always had a close identity with Scottish traditional music and Scottish country dancing. The sound of the auctioneer's patter will be replaced by the sound of folk making music in the restored auction ring, surrounded by the audience on the original tiered seating. The Mart will enable future generations of talent to be nurtured and traditions to be maintained. 

•    The Mart was purchased in 2018 by the community with grants from the Scottish Land Fund and Gordonbush Windfarm Community Benefit Fund and work to develop the Mart commenced in February 2022. 

•    Further funding for the refurbishment came from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Kilbraur Windfarm Community Benefit Trust, SSE, Architectural Heritage Fund and Scottish Hydro Electric Community Trust.