Take home your very own piece of the North Highlands.
Retail and Gift Shops
It’s almost certain that after visiting the North Highlands, you won’t want to leave without taking a piece of it home with you, and you won’t have to look far to find the perfect gift or souvenir.
Local shops take great pride in supporting regional makers and stocking high-quality goods made right here in Caithness and Sutherland, from handcrafted jewellery, pottery, and textiles to locally made soaps, candles, artisan foods, and locally distilled whisky and gins.
Enjoy browsing the charming independent shops in our charming Highland towns, visiting bustling markets teeming with local producers, or discovering hidden gems like farm shops and gift shops offering unique gifts, fresh produce, and local delicacies.
Ocean Explorer, Helmsdale
Food and Drink
Visitors to Caithness and Sutherland will discover some of the finest food and drink Scotland has to offer. From fresh seafood and wild venison to artisan cheeses, home-grown vegetables, berries and preserves, breads, and award-winning whiskies, gins, and beers, the local produce here is second to none.
The clean air, land, and sea of the region play a big role in the exceptional quality of our local produce. It’s something you’ll notice in every bite, and something local food producers are genuinely proud to share with visitors to the region.
Visitors can enjoy these flavours in local restaurants and distilleries, take part in food workshops and experiences, hear about the story behind the process, or bring a taste of the far north home with them.
Artists, Jewellers and Galleries
Caithness and Sutherland are home to a vibrant and diverse arts and crafts scene, inspired by the region’s landscapes, rich history, and thriving culture and heritage. Local independant galleries, studios, and workshops showcasing everything from contemporary painting and photography, to traditional crafts, pottery and jewellery.
Artists and craftspeople create unique pieces, often influenced by the natural beauty of the region, drawing inspiration from sea-worn stones, local flora and fauna, and ancient Pictish designs. Many studios welcome visitors, offering the chance to see artists at work, purchase handmade creations directly from the maker, or take part in hands-on craft workshops.
Traditional Crafts & Produce
The North Highlands are alive with traditional crafts, passed down through generations and keeping Highland heritage vibrant.
In Caithness and Sutherland, these crafts are rooted in everyday life and shaped by the use of local materials, reflecting the region’s strong Scottish identity. Visitors will find a wide range of traditional and contemporary crafts, from textiles and kilt making to pottery, woodturning, stonemasonry, and jewellery.
Today, skilled makers continue these traditions, producing high-quality items made with care, shaped by heritage, and offering a genuine connection to Highland culture.
Tartan Creations, Dornoch
You’ll discover an abundance of:
- Soft fruits and preserves
- Artisan ales, ciders and spirits including whisky, gin, and rum from our local distilleries and breweries
- Handmade chocolates, tablet, and fudge
- Locally sourced honey, eggs
- Homemade tempting cakes, biscuits and bread
- Local meat, fish and vegetables
Whether you buy supplies to enjoy in your accommodation, gifts for family and friends, or treats for you to savour when your holiday is over, our shops and makers appreciate everyone who shops local.
If you’re looking for meaningful and locally inspired gifts from the North Highlands, here are some beautiful and authentic options that reflect the region’s rich culture, craftsmanship, and natural beauty:
- Handcrafted jewellery using local stones
- Handknitted Scottish wool accessories like scarves, gloves, and hats
- Highland-themed ceramics and pottery
- Locally made soaps, candles, and aromatics
- Rustic furniture made from local wood
- Locally designed tartans and handmade clothing
- Books inspired by local landscapes, stories and myths
With no large shopping centres or malls, the North Highland community proudly embraces the ethos of loving local and supporting independent makers and shops across the region.
You can find local produce and gifts in:
- Independent shops in many towns and villages
- Heritage centres and museums with gift shops
- Distillery visitor centres
- Markets (check out our events page for upcoming market dates across Caithness and Sutherland)
- Unmanned honesty boxes and craft cabins
Most shops and producers in towns and villages are open year round, however to check individual opening days/times, please call them directly.
Most shops will have card payment facilities but in some of the more remote areas, signal can be patchy. Some honesty boxes will operate on cash payments only. We recommend having a supply of cash with you. Most of the towns and villages will have an ATM available for cash withdrawals.