The biennial Caledonian market is a highlight in Arbroath guild's calendar.

Opening at 10.30 on the first Wednesday in August, with a queue forming at 9 am, members of the local 'Old Men's Club' take a silver collection rather than give entry tickets, and last year this collection alone raised £299.97. Once inside the hall it was like an Aladdin's cave, full of treasures. The work stall groaned under its load of knitting, sewing, baby wear, toys and household goods. A nearly new stall comprised 14 tables and 12 dress rails; woollens, shoes, bags, suits, evening dresses and a fur coat were the items on offer. An innovation in 1985 was a jam, jelly and pancake stall. The jam and jelly soon sold out but the ladies persevered, making and selling 1,300 pancakes during the day. All this and lots more helped the guild make over £6,000 by the end of the day.

photograph by courtesy of Iain Wight.