Shopping on the North Coast 500: Shop Local & Find Something Special
A little Highland rain doesn’t have to mean heading straight back to your accommodation. In fact, it might be the perfect excuse to slow down, wander somewhere new and indulge in a little retail therapy.
From independent boutiques and Scottish knitwear to handmade jewellery, local produce, art, books and beautifully crafted gifts, there are plenty of places along the North Coast 500 to find something a little more memorable to take home.
Whether you’re looking for a gift, something special for yourself or a taste of the Highlands to take home, here’s where to shop along the NC500.
Why Shop Local on the North Coast 500?
Shopping locally is about more than picking up a souvenir. Around the North Coast 500, independent shops and businesses offer the chance to discover things you might not find elsewhere, from locally made products and Highland produce to thoughtful gifts and handmade pieces. You may even get to meet the people behind what you’re buying and hear a little more about its story.
It’s also a lovely way to slow down and explore the places along the route. Take a wander, pop into somewhere that catches your eye and spend a little time getting to know the towns and villages you pass through. Choosing to shop locally is also a simple way to support the people and businesses who call these communities home.
Pick Up a Taste of the Highlands
Looking for local food and drink along the North Coast 500? Some of the best souvenirs from the route are the ones you can eat. Whether you’re filling the picnic basket, stocking up for your accommodation or looking for something special to take home, these stops are full of Highland flavours worth discovering.
The Storehouse
Set on the shore of the Cromarty Firth with beautiful views across to the Black Isle, The Storehouse makes a lovely stop for a taste of the Highlands. Its farm shop is packed with local cheeses, fresh bread, jams and chutneys, vegetables, potatoes, meat and game, ice cream and homemade cakes. With the restaurant and gift shop too, you might find yourself staying a little longer than planned.
Dalmore Farm
Just off the A9 near Alness, Dalmore Farm is a great stop for Scottish food, drink and gifts. Its farm shop brings together hand-picked brands and products, including fresh farm eggs and produce sourced from local farmers, butchers, bakers, cheesemakers and drinks suppliers. There’s also a home and gift department, with everything from jewellery and books to homeware, toys and local pottery.
Robertson’s Farm & Larder
At Tomich Farm near Beauly, Robertson’s Farm & Larder is a great stop for a taste of the Highlands, with fresh seasonal vegetables, home-grown potatoes, local Highland beef, venison, locally caught seafood, artisan cheeses and plenty of Scottish treats. You can also browse their hampers and Highland Cow gifts before heading outside to see the Highland cows and alpacas for yourself.
8 Doors Distillery
What better way to take a taste of the Highlands home than with a bottle of whisky? At John O’Groats, 8 Doors Distillery is Scotland’s most northerly mainland whisky distillery. Browse the Seven Sons whisky range and Five Ways blended liqueur, or fill your own bottle from a distillery-exclusive Seven Sons cask and add a personalised label.
Tartan, Tweed & Scottish Style
From classic tartan and tweed to cosy knitwear and Scottish accessories, there are plenty of ways to take a little Highland style home with you. Whether you’re looking for something traditional or a piece you’ll wear for years to come, these shops are lovely places to browse.
Campbell’s of Beauly
If you’re exploring Beauly, Campbell’s of Beauly is a great place to discover Scottish country clothing and Highland wear. Established in 1858, this independent Highland outfitter offers tweed, tartan, knitwear and clothing for men and women. You can also find fabrics by the metre, while bespoke and made-to-measure tailoring is available by appointment.
Lochcarron Weavers Heritage Shop
At Ribhuachan in Strathcarron, the Lochcarron Weavers Heritage Shop is a great place to discover Scotland’s tartan tradition. The shop has a wide selection of tartans, luxury knitwear, kilts and tweed clothing, along with accessories and Scottish gifts. You can also arrange a private kilt fitting if you’re looking for something made specially for you.
Find Something Special
Some of the best shopping finds are the ones you weren’t looking for. Along the NC500, you’ll find independent shops filled with gifts, homewares, jewellery, books and locally made pieces, as well as a few more unexpected treasures. Take your time, explore at your own pace and see what catches your eye.
The Old School Beauly
Housed in a former Victorian school, The Old School Beauly is an award-winning independent shop with plenty to discover. Browse clothing, jewellery, books, candles, toiletries, homewares, bags and accessories, along with gifts for all ages. Its mix of Scottish ceramics, Highland-inspired gifts and Scandinavian-influenced homewares makes it a lovely place to discover something a little different.
Jail Dornoch
Set in Dornoch’s former 19th-century jail, Jail Dornoch is a shopping stop with plenty of character. Inside, you’ll find Scottish gifts, jewellery, accessories, cashmere and quality country wear. It’s an easy stop while exploring Dornoch, whether you’re looking for something for yourself or a special gift.
Britton Scotland
Britton Scotland brings together Scottish design, craftsmanship and a thoughtful approach to materials. Its Dornoch shop features handcrafted collections made in Scotland, alongside carefully chosen products from other makers and a selection of vintage finds. With a focus on quality, longevity and giving materials a new lease of life, it’s a lovely place to discover a unique Scottish gift or keepsake.
Golspie Stone Shop
In the village of Golspie, the Golspie Stone Shop is a fascinating place to browse. This family-owned shop is filled with crystals, rocks, minerals and fossils sourced from around the world, alongside gemstone jewellery and a Scottish gift range featuring Scottish stone, Sutherland marble and Scottish agate. From unusual specimens to locally made pieces, there’s plenty to catch the eye.
Art & Handmade Finds
Along the NC500, you’ll find galleries and independent makers creating everything from landscape photography and prints to handmade candles and soaps.
Applecross Gallery
In Camusterrach, Applecross Gallery showcases the Scottish landscape photography of Jack Marris, with images from Applecross, the North West Coast, Torridon, Skye and Glen Coe. Browse hand-stretched canvases, archival-quality prints, calendars, cards and handmade wooden fridge magnets, with an NC500 collection offering plenty of inspiration for a lasting reminder of your journey.
Assynt Aromas
In Drumbeg, Assynt Aromas is a family-run candle and soap shop with a Secret Tea Garden out the back. Browse the handmade range of scented candles, wax melts, soaps, creams, balms and aromatherapy products, with plenty of testers to help you find a favourite. Then take a break in the garden with coffee, cake, scones or a light bite. The visitor shop and tea garden are seasonal, so check opening dates before setting off.
Make a Day of It at Logie Steading
If you have time for a little detour near Forres, Logie Steading is a great addition to your plans. Originally built as a model farm in the 1920s, its sandstone buildings are now home to a collection of independent shops and businesses in the beautiful Findhorn Valley.
Independent Shops, Art, Fashion & More
There’s plenty to browse, from the Logie Steading Art Gallery and bookshop to ladies’ and men’s fashion, plants, food, gifts and Scottish timber. Take your time exploring the independent businesses, stop for something to eat at the café, then head outside to enjoy Logie House Garden, the playpark or one of the walks along the River Findhorn.
With so much in one place, Logie Steading is less about a quick shopping stop and more about slowing down and making an afternoon of it.
A Quick Shopping Tip
Opening hours can vary throughout the year, particularly outside the main summer season. Before setting off, it’s worth checking the individual business website or NC500 listing for the latest opening information.
Want to Take a Little Bit of the NC500 Home?
If you’d like to keep a little reminder of your journey, browse the official NC500 online shop. From NC500 clothing and gifts to keepsakes inspired by the route, it’s an easy way to take a little piece of your NC500 experience with you.
