Shop Local In The Scottish Highlands

Supporting local breweries and small businesses in the Scottish Highlands is a fantastic way to contribute to the region's economy while enjoying unique, handcrafted products. The Highlands are home to a vibrant community of independent shops, breweries, distilleries, artisans, and producers, all offering high-quality goods that capture the spirit of the region. Here are some recommendations for places to visit and shop local:

Breweries

The Scottish Highlands are renowned for their excellent craft beer scene, featuring breweries that use local ingredients and traditional methods:

Spey Valley Brewery

• Located in Moray, in the heart of the Highlands, Spey Valley Brewery produces a wide range of award-winning beers, from lagers to stouts, using fresh Highland water and Scottish malt
• Premium barrel-aged whisky beers are a speciality and we partner with local distillers to bring you something new & exciting on a regular basis
• We also hold a wide range of events throughout the year which helps to raise money & footfall in the local community. Watch out now for details of our Christmas fair!
• Shop: You can visit our on-site shop and sample our beers and every Thursday & Friday you’ll get 20% off instore in our #shoplocal campaign. For those not local to the area, you can buy directly online with free delivery UK-wide

 

Cairngorm Brewery (Aviemore)

• Located in the heart of the Highlands, Cairngorm Brewery produces a wide range of award-winning beers, from lagers to stouts, using fresh Highland water and Scottish malt
• Popular beers: "Sheepshagger Gold," "Wildcat," and "Nessie's Monster Mash"
• Shop: You can visit their on-site shop and sample their beers or buy directly online HERE

Black Isle Brewery (Munlochy)

• This organic brewery is known for its commitment to sustainability and the environment. They use organic barley and hops, producing a range of craft beers including pale ales, stouts, and porters
• Popular beers: "Blonde," "Red Kite," and "Hibernator"
• Shop: Visit their farm and brewery to buy fresh, organic beer, or stop by their bars in Inverness or buy online HERE

 

Loch Ness Brewery (Drumnadrochit)

• Named after the famous Loch Ness, this brewery crafts unique beers that pay homage to the Highlands. Their offerings include both traditional Scottish ales and modern craft beers
• Popular beers: "Nessie’s Monster Mash" and "Wilder Ness"
• Shop: They have a visitor centre and brewery shop in Drumnadrochit where you can buy their full range of beers or buy online HERE

 

Fierce Beer (Aberdeen)

• Founded in 2015, Fierce have a wide range of beers including gluten-free, no alcohol and now brew 1983 Aberdeen Lager, in collaboration with Aberdeen Football team
• Selling beer UK-wide and exporting to 20 countries, the ‘Fierce Family’ keep their local supporters happy and multi-award-winners in the brewing world
• Three bars in Aberdeen, Edinburgh & Manchester and they’re on the lookout for more!
• Shop: #shoplocal from the brewery shop, order online HERE or pick up a beer or some Fierce merch at any of the bars. Brewery tours are available on request

 

Distilleries

While whisky may be the Highlands’ most famous export, local distilleries are also producing high-quality gin and other spirits. Some small-scale distilleries to check out:

Glen Rinnes

• An organic estate distillery with a focus gin & vodka using sustainable and organic production.
• Shop: Visit their shop or buy online HERE 

Glen Farclas

• A family business going now for over 160 years and originally owned by John Grant. Read more details about the distillery HERE
• Tours: Available by appointment only

 

Glenfiddoch

• For 20 years William Grant nurtured a dream to make the ‘best dram in the valley’. With the help of his family, he finally achieved that vision. Based in Dufftown, read more about the famous Glenfiddich HERE
• Tours: Available by appointment only

 

 

Local Artisans & Small Businesses

The Highlands are rich in local crafts, food products, and unique items. Here are some local businesses worth supporting:

1. Against The Grain
• A haven for beer lovers in the heart of Speyside, serving a wide range of beers from around the world
• Tasting sessions and food pairings are available to book by appointment only. (and it’s dog friendly too!)
• Read more HERE

 

Sunninghill Hotel

• The Sunninghill Hotel in Elgin sits proudly within beautiful flower gardens. With world-class golf courses and the Sunshine Coast nearby, it is the perfect place from which to discover the delights of Moray
• Bar and restaurant stocks a wide range of local food & drinks. Bookings & more info HERE

Threaplands Garden Centre

• This garden centre based in Moray won a GOLD Green Tourism award and has everything you need to spend a day there!
• Check out all that’s on offer HERE and don’t forget to book your breakfast with Santa early as appointments sell out fast!

Highland Food Markets

• Farmers' markets are a great way to support local growers, bakers, cheesemakers, and butchers. Look out for markets in:
• Inverness (Inverness Farmers’ Market)
• Fort William
• Dornoch
• Elgin
• Moray

 

By shopping local, you'll not only enjoy high-quality, authentic products but also help sustain the people, culture, and heritage of the Scottish Highlands.

And don't forget you get 20% off in the Spey Valley Brewery shop every Thursday & Friday!

Happy shopping folks & huge thanks for supporting our small businesses!