Heaven for retail lovers, Moray Speyside offers a surprisingly varied and unique shopping experience.
Wonderful local cashmere, traditional boutiques and a wealth of homegrown talent, allows visitors to pick-up exclusive items and special gifts in a variety of relaxed outlets throughout the region.
Day 1: Base: Forres
Travelling from Inverness, through Nairn and onto Forres: a pretty town and former royal burgh on the Moray coast, around 25 miles east of Inverness. Forres has been a winner of the Scotland in Bloom award on several occasions and offers pleasant surroundings to start your Moray Speyside shopping extravaganza!
The main street houses Babalu; bursting with treasures created by artisans from around the globe, this valuable find shall provide a colourful start to your day. Independent retailers are key in this region and Forres is no exception, so take time to explore each venue, picking up gifts along the way.
On the outskirts of Forres, the famous Brodie Countryfare can be found, where time shall vanish as you explore the wealth of clothing and unique brands, gifts, homeware from local suppliers and traditional Scottish hampers.
Enjoy lunch in the award winning restaurant at Brodie Countryfare before further exploring the area with a visit to Logie Steading in the Findhorn Valley, where outdoor activity opportunities are abundant, along with further shopping and a chance to catch your breath over a coffee.
Accommodation suggestions:
Day 2: Base: Tomintoul
Travel south this morning with a stop at Ballindalloch Castle and the impressive Gift Shop, selling produce associated with a visit to the area. Suitably chosen by the Laird’s wife, the Gift Shop at Ballindalloch Castle offers a selection of scarves, gloves and socks from local cashmere producer, Johnstons of Elgin. Luxurious bath products from Scottish Fine Soaps, sheepskin products and plenty of beautiful Harris Tweed can also be found in the extensive shop. Traditional Scottish food products can also be purchased here alongside Highland gifts from local jewelry creators.
No visit to Scotland and indeed, Moray Speyside would be complete without at least one Scottish woolen mill visit; why not try out Knockando Woolen Mill for a full range of clothing and wool gifts; ideal gifts for taking home!
Accommodation suggestions:
- Old Pine Yurts
- Thistle Dhu Bed and Breakfast
- Richmond Arms
- Auchnascraw Mill
- Bluefolds Highland Holiday Cottages
- Cardhu Country House Hotel
Day 3: Base: Aberlour/Dufftown
A full day of shopping is planned for today as you travel north-east to Aberlour.
Straddling the Lour Burn, which is a tributary of the River Spey, Aberlour is another quaint Highland village with a surprising range of shops and shopping opportunities.
Three Bags Wool is a superb little crafting shop, where you can stock up on all you need to create your own unique items. They also run workshops and events, so check their website before you travel and book yourself in to a crafting workshop.
There is a selection of outdoor, fishing and countrywear shops in Aberlour too, where you can purchase all you need for the Scottish weather and any activity you may be enjoying during your stay.
Heading away from Aberlour, why not drop in to the Speyside Cooperage, where their growing range of products, crafted from whisky barrels and barrel staves, unique to the cooperage.
The Whisky Shop in Dufftown is also a must and with their range of over 600 whiskies, no-one tends to leave empty-handed!
Accommodation suggestions:
Aberlour:
- The Mash Tun
- Dowans Hotel
- Conval View Bed and Breakfast
- Speyside Gardens Caravan Park
- Craigellachie Hotel
- Highlander Inn
Dufftown:
Day 4: Base: Elgin
Today, you shall take the route, via Keith, to Elgin.
Keith is a bustling and friendly town sitting on the Speyside Malt Whisky Trail. This charming historic town is nestled in the Isla valley and an essential stop on any trip to Moray Speyside.
Mither Tongue is a four star Visit Scotland tourist shop. Celebrating the ‘Mither Tongue’ and promoting handcrafted Scottish produce, by local artists.
Stop at Boogie Woogie for a coffee or perhaps some lunch. Known for great coffee, Boogie Woogie also offers fabulous home-baking, alongside interesting gifts and ladies clothing.
Finish your day today in Elgin, where high street names, sit comfortably alongside more traditional, local shopping outlets. Look out for the Elgin Farmer’s Market, where you can stock-up if you are self-catering.
Johnstons of Elgin is perhaps one of the most famed names of the region and well worth a visit to browse the range of gifts and fabulous cashmere.
Accommodation suggestions:
Keith:
Elgin: