Scotland the best
Independent shops
Shop till your jaws drop at some of Scotland’s small shops for an amazing range of Christmas gifts Hammerton Store
Susan Watson’s love affair with Aberdeen and life. Not just a deli, more a superior provisioner where essentials include kindling, Katy’s eggs, art, travelling rugs, cool pottery and cookery books. Susan selects and sources everything. Provenance is not an idle gesture – she goes to Lewis to see the gin being made (there are many others in the cabinet, there long before the boom). Bakes are from the estimable Alice of Bakery Lane. Tables inside and on the corner, where you can snack and reflect how nice it would be to have a place like this in your neighbourhood. Mon-Fri 8am-6pm; Sat/Sun 8.30am-5pm. hammertonstore.co.uk 01224 324449 Mhor In Store
On the A84 near Balquhidder, beside Mhor 84, the roadside inn, a new star
The Highland Chocolatier
Part of Legends coffee shop, Iain Burnett’s Grandtully chocolateria is a destination in itself. A splurge of artisan chocolatemakers in recent years but Iain’s meticulously crafted and beautifully presented individual and boxed chocs are in a class of their own. Indulge. 7 days 10am-5pm. highlandchocolatier.com, 01887 840775
St Kilda Shop
Unique little shop by the Estate offices and the pier on the way in/out of Dunvegan Castle. The MacLeods and the MacDonalds fought over St Kilda, Scotland’s island of the soul. Short of going there, everything you might like to know about it is presented here. Also Harris Tweed and other handmade things to wear or give. Same hours as castle. 01470 521206
Peter Irvine is the author of the essential travel guide Scotland the Best published by Collins, priced £15.99