Our History
Our Big Green Journey
Since our first market in July 2021, the Big Green Market has grown from a small community initiative into a beloved Burntisland institution.
What began with just five steering group members and a handful of volunteers has blossomed into a thriving operation with over 70 dedicated helpers. Now in our 4th year, we set up every month Feb- Dec in the larger space of the Burntisland Parish Church Halls helping us raise more money and showcase more community groups every month. Thanks to funding from the Lottery Community Fund in 2024 we have expanded our community work to run a Repair Cafe and upcycling workshops to make our impact even greener.
The Team
We don’t like being in the limelight
We certainly don’t take all the glory because it’s our volunteers who truly shine here at the Big Green Market. The Big Green Market is now managed by Nicki, Jo, Louise and Abi - four friends who love nothing more than diving into a project and making things happen.
We play to our strengths and use our different skill sets to manage operations, develop new projects, keep the volunteers on their toes and make sure everyone has a cuppa!
You'll find us working away behind the scenes, handling logistics and grant applications as well as on the market floor, working alongside our wonderful volunteers. We're passionate about sustainability and community building and are so proud of the way the BGM has continued to grow and spread joy.
Our Volunteers
The heart of the Big Green Market
The Big Green Market thrives thanks to our incredible team of 70+ volunteers who generously donate their time, energy and skills to our monthly markets and the Repair Cafe.
From sorting donations and creating displays to fixing broken items and sharing crafting expertise, these dedicated individuals are the lifeblood of everything we do. Their commitment was recognised in January 2024 when we were honoured with the Burntisland Community Group of the Year Award.
As a small thank-you, we give every volunteer a coffee voucher at each market, these wonderful people who make our vision possible, and we throw a big end-of-year shin dig so we can all let our hair down and have some fun together.
If you're interested in joining our award-winning volunteer family, we'd love to have you - no special skills required, just enthusiasm and a passion for sustainability!
Our Recipients
Investing in our community
All profit from the Big Green Market goes directly back into the Burntisland community.
Over four years, we've proudly supported dozens of hardworking local charities, community groups and volunteer organisations. Recipients have included Burntisland Hedgehog Haven, Burntisland Biodiversity, Air Cadets, Town Twinning, Floral Action Burntisland (FAB), Cornerstone Community Cafe, Burntisland Foodbank , the Scouts, Guides and Brownies, Broomhill Gardening Club, the Burntisland Harbour Access Trust, Burntisland Heritage and so many more. These funds help vital local initiatives develop new projects and continue their important work throughout our town.
We also offer a free table at every market to a community group who wants to raise their own profile, recruit new members or raise funds though the likes of a tombola.
When you shop at the Big Green Market, you're not just finding treasures and reducing waste; you're directly contributing to the vibrant community organisations that make Burntisland such a special place to live. Your support makes a real difference right here in our community!
Our Impact
Now in our fourth year, the Big Green Market has made a remarkable difference to both our community and the environment.
Since July 2021, we've welcomed over 15,000 shoppers and raised an impressive £50,000 for local causes. By giving pre-loved items a second life, we've helped our community save approximately £1.5 million compared to buying new and prevented 67,900kg of carbon emissions, equivalent to flying around the world 25 times in a single-seat plane!
Our PAT testing service has certified over 80 electrical items for safe reuse, further extending our circular economy goals. With each market, workshop and Repair Cafe, we're proving that small local initiatives can create significant positive change for ourselves, our town, our wallets and our planet.
Every purchase, donation and volunteer hour contributes to a greener, more sustainable Burntisland that benefits us all.