If you are looking for the best shopping in Moray or possibly the best in Scotland, you are in the right place. Here is a quick list of places I recommend buying Scottish specialities.
Everything I write on this website is part of my A-Z of ideas of what to do while you are here. I have done this myself; therefore, I assure you all these ideas are personal recommendations, and there are more ideas if you need them.
Whisky Shopping in Scotland
This part of Scotland, being the home of the Malt Whisky Trail will have the proper whisky for you. Whether you are a connoisseur, a collector, or just starting out exploring whisky, you will be spoilt for choice. I advise picking your favourite distillery and tasting with them – then moving from there.
There will always be that special bottle aged for just the right length of time in that special cask for just the right flavour. And while you are in the Visitor Centre, admire the choice of whisky-enriched condiments, jars of honey, chocolates and all the other items that are hard to resist.
Gin Shopping
With Scotland producing over 70% of the Gin produced in the UK and with the specialist expertise this part of the world has in distilling, you will find World Class Gins. My favourite is Red Door Gin, produced just 3 miles away from us and adjacent to Benromach Whisky.
Woollens
Scotland is renowned for its Woollens, Lambswool and Cashmere and Tweeds. So your first stop should be Johnstons of Elgin, for the best, most elegant woollens and cashmere you will find worldwide. Even better is that lingering memory of Scotland as you wrap yourself in the comfortable, chic scarf. This is the perfect place for Christmas shopping.
Another favourite place is Knockando Woollen Mill. Stunning choice of everything from notepads to tweed baseball caps to picnic blankets and throws.
Tweeds
My favourite Tweed is the Harris Tweed. However, personal experience makes me care about what to buy to take home so that the item does not look out of place, and I reuse it repeatedly. I think I have found the answer – the Harris Tweed Handbag. This is the perfect take-home item in all shapes and sizes and has an incredible range of colours – with key fobs, wallets, handbags, and laptop cases. My advice is to check out The Jail Store at Dornoch or Inverness Airport.
Scottish Foods
Moray is home to Walker’s Shortbread, so plan a trip to Aberlour for some of their world-famous shortbreads. If you enjoy Oatcakes, put some of these in your basket.
Baxters, another famous Highland Kitchen, is based at Fochabers, close to us and has a vast range of soups, jams and locally produced specialist foods. Add some Cullen Skink, and you are well away, especially if you have been walking at Cullen. All are created and made here in Moray.
If you plan on taking some Haggis home, I recommend a quick trip to Dingwall for some prize-winning Cockburns of Dingwall haggis. If you like it, try some at breakfast when you are here – this is one we serve here.
Anything Else
When you have experienced the best shopping in Moray, and If you are driving South from here, you are probably driving past the House of Bruar. You will find it here if you have missed anything, and I mean anything at all. This is the equivalent of Harrods in the Highlands! Make sure you have allowed enough time to reach your destination.
Happy Shopping!