Ben Makin of The Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage at Noss Head has lovingly decorated the property with prints and paintings by Caithness artists. Passionate about all things creative, crafty, and locally made, Ben shares her shopper’s guide to local souvenirs and gifts from Caithness and Sutherland!
Finding the Best Souvenirs and Gifts from the Scottish North Highlands
Looking for the perfect Scottish gift or souvenir? Whether it’s for yourself or someone special, it should feel authentic, handmade, locally crafted, and full of Highland character. But what should you choose? And where can you find it?
Caithness and Sutherland are home to incredible artists and makers, offering everything from jewellery and pottery to traditional tablet and hand-dyed yarn. To make shopping easier, I’ve organised this guide by size and weight, because what fits in your carry-on is very different from what you can pack in a motorhome!
Read on for ideas and there’s a map at the end with lots of links to shops and markets!
Contemporary Scottish Gifts Inspired by North Highland Landscapes
When you think of Scotland, tartan, Highland cows, and thistles probably spring to mind, and there’s something reassuringly traditional about those designs. But today’s Scottish makers are blending heritage with contemporary style, creating pieces that feel fresh yet deeply rooted in the landscapes of the far North. Inspired by Caithness and Sutherland’s landscapes and centuries-old craft traditions, their work is sharp, contemporary, and unique to the North Highlands. Choose carefully, you might love these gifts so much you’ll want to keep them for yourself!!
Scottish Jewellery from Caithness & Sutherland
Small, light, very Scottish, and uniquely special. Caithness and Sutherland, talented silversmiths transform local materials into stunning pieces that capture the spirit of the North Highlands. Here are three makers you won’t want to miss:
Lindsey Gallagher’s shop and studio workshop can be found upstairs in Traill St in Thurso, she specialises in jewellery made from local stone, if you pick up a pebble on a beach she can make it into earrings or a pendant and send it on to you. Her shop also has a beautiful selection of work from other local makers and artists.
Patricia Niemann’s studio is in the Old Berriedale Post Office, next to the River Bothy café. Patricia is a qualified goldsmith, designer and glass maker. Patricia’s striking gemstone necklaces, rings, brooches and more are made, displayed and for sale in the shop.
Hand-Dyed Yarn and Knitting Kits from the Highlands
Yarn is always a treat if you are a knitter or make crochet; many Scottish yarns are hand-dyed with natural dyes. I get quite giddy at yarn fests!
When you are buying yarn for the craftsperson in your life, ask advice and either buy a kit or get enough yarn for a small project, like a hat, or a pair of socks or wristlets.
Two of my favourites are Helen’s lovely yarns from Ripples Crafts, and Gong Crafts handy kits for socks and wristlets. But you will spot a lot of locally shorn, locally dyed, and utterly gorgeous yarns in craft shops across the region.
Traditional Scottish Tablet, Fudge, Chocolate & Shortbread
Tablet is basically an experiment to see how many calories you can compress into a delicious cube of melting sweetness – it is very traditionally Scottish and you’ll spot handmade tablet in local shops and even in petrol stations across the Highlands.
Caithness Chocolate is available online and in shops, and is my go-to present when I want to send someone a treat from Caithness. If you have a sweet tooth, check out Cocoa Mountain who have outlets in Dornoch and Balknakeil.
Fancy creating your own sweet souvenir? You can try your hand at making your own chocolates as gifts at CC Chocolatier! Pastry Chef Mandy runs offers hands-on chocolate-making workshops and serves delicious afternoon tea in her beautifully renovated granary, which houses her kitchen and shop.
Reids of Caithness are famous for their melt-in-the-mouth, all-butter Scottish shortbread, beautifully presented in colourful tartan tins that make the perfect Highland gift. While you’re exploring the North Highlands, keep an eye out for honesty boxes from local bakers along the roadside. These little treasures are filled with homemade sweet treats, jams, chutneys and home-baking.
Highland Soaps, Candles, and Aromatic Gifts
A treat for the senses, and there are so many to choose from. I always have a car freshener from Caithness Aromatics in my car and their reed diffusers keep the house smelling lovely and inviting. Scottish hand-made soap is a lovely gift or stocking-filler too.
Scottish Wool Jumpers Gloves, Scarves & Hats
Dressing in Scotland is all about layers, and Scottish wool is second to none, so I often suggest that people buy their jumpers here. Outlets range from Edinburgh Woollen Mill’s shop in John o’Groats to the corner in Timespan in Helmsdale where local knitters sell their work.
Scotland is rightly known for its wool, and there are so many options from the traditional to the eclectic! I particularly love the Aurora bobble hats from the Coo’s Tail gallery in Thurso. You can also get lovely, felted scarves and cashmere items in craft shops across the region.
Highland Pottery, Ceramics, Handmade Tableware and Homewares
Pottery is a part of Scotland you can use every day or keep for special occasions, you’ll find everything from mugs and plates to decorative art, centerpieces and sculpture. Tain Pottery have a shop on the east coast. For a more individual experience, go to Northshore Pottery which is the studio of ceramic artist Jenny Mackenzie Ross.
Highland Stoneware have outlets in Ullapool and Lochinver. And look out for Marks and Pencils lovely engraved glasses in shops throughout the region. Many shops sell homewares featuring the work of local artists and crafters, if you are near Dunnet, take time to drop into Keith Parke’s Rustic Interiors, and explore The Coo’s Tail in Thurso.
Highland Spirits: Whisky, Gin & Distillery Gifts from Caithness
If you enjoy a dram, Caithness is home to six distinctive distilleries, each offering a taste of the North Highlands. Alongside distillery tours and tastings, you’ll find a gift shop stocked with local treasures. Some focus on their signature spirits, while others feature accessories and handcrafted gifts from across the North Highlands.
Dunnet Bay Distillery has a beautiful onsite shop, which also stocks the work of local artists, it’s location beside Dunnet Beach makes it an ideal spot to stretch your legs, breathe in the sea air, and take home something special!
Map of Makers, Crafters, Shops and Markets in Caithness and Sutherland
The map below is not complete, but it does have lots of wonderful places to browse and buy, ranging from individual makers’ workshops to gift shops specialising in local and Scottish art and crafts. Check the links in each pin for details.
Shops and workshops (Blue Pins): independent shops that showcase the work of local artists and makers. If you like meeting these makers, artists and craftspeople, look out for their workshops and studios.
Makers’ Markets (Purple Pins): If you love talking to makers and craftspeople about their work, then the Facebook Group NC500 A.C.E (arts, crafts, events) is a good place to look for markets that may be happening during your trip. Also check the noticeboards in shops during your stay, because local events are often advertised there. Click through the links in each pin to find out when they are on.
About Ben and The Lighthouse Keepers Cottage
Ben is the owner of The Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage, a unique holiday retreat on Scotland’s North Coast, just off the NC500 route in Caithness in the Scottish Highlands. The cottage sits on a headland with dramatic sea views on three sides. The Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage offers luxury, home-from-home self-catering accommodation, perfect for a romantic weekend getaway, an escape for two to explore the outdoors, or a family holiday packed with activities for kids and the dog. To book your stay with Ben, visit the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage website online here.
