Shopping in the Highlands

Shopping is a favourite hobby for many and if you are like us here at the BEST WESTERN Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa it’s a bit of a passion.  Below are the main shops but also off the beaten track to some more unusual shops.  This is just a start and we’ll add to this page as we find more great shops…

Shopping in Inverness

The Best Western Palace Hotel & Spa as you know is located on the banks of the River Ness just opposite the Castle which means all you need to do is cross the River and you are amongst all of the Inverness shops – here is a little summary:

The biggest Eastgate Shopping Centre – with Debenhams, Marks & Spencer, Starbucks, French Connection, USC, Monsoon, Jones Bootmakers, Laura Ashley, Next, Phase Eight, Pizza Express, HMV and lots more it is the indoor shopping centre for Inverness.

The traditional Victorian Market – for a unique selection of shops it is the perfect place for gifts or something a little bit special.  We recommend  Story Belgian Chocolatiers -fab gifts including chocolate nessies.  Plus lots more from music to jewellery – step back in time.

The High Street Inverness – not to be forgotten from the independent department store McEwens of Perth to Music Shops, great shoe Rogersons Footwear and Beggs to Toni & Guy hair Salon.  For the guy’s there’s lots of sports and outdoor clothing shops and Slaters Menswear too. There are also Farmers markets & Winter Festival Markets (see What’s on).

Unique Shops & Galleries in Inverness:  Castle Gallery one of the most successful small galleries you’ll find in Scotland.  An alternative is Riverside Gallery a family run gallery with exhibitions all year.  For all things kilt related see Chisholms Highland Dress a family run kilt business looking after all the details for generations 47-51 Castle St, Inverness.

Inverness Retail Park  - for all the big names from New Look, Boots, Mothercare, Bank Clothing, Clarks, Next, Vue Cinema and more.

Extras: For all outdoor activities you’ll find Tiso on the Longman Industrial Estate & the award winning Simpsons Garden Centre and Howdens Garden Centre both just outside Inverness city centre.

Coffee Shops in Inverness

Just some recommendations for local Coffee Shops around Inverness and more below in the Shopping outside Inverness.

• Girvans Restaurant – a family run restaurant serving lovely meals and cakes its very busy.
• Rendezvous Cafe on Church Street a smaller more quirky cafe serving homemade and local produce with about 10 tables it’s busy and has friendly staff.
• Corner on the Square Deli in Tiso the outdoor Sports Shop on the Longman Industrial Estate.
• Simpson’s Garden Centre has a great self service restaurant and live music at weekends.
• Howden’s Garden Centre offers a coffee shop as well as garden products, crafts and gifts.

Shopping & Coffee shops outside Inverness

As well as the local shops there are also a great selection of unique shopping experiences near Inverness so here are some easy links and many offer great coffee and cakes too!

• House of Beauly – in the bustling village of Beauly – for fashion, fits and bridal wear plus lovely homemade scones.
• Beauly Gallery & Kirk Coffee Shop – on the outskirts of Beauly in a 18th Century Kirk the Gallery offers you a great selection of local artists and Scottish arts and crafts.  Then nip into the Kirk coffee shop for a great selection of cakes, pastries and light meals they staff are even dresses in vintage Victorian feel uniform.
• Corner on the Square in Beauly – another great coffee shop and award winning Deli.
• Hardmuir Fruit Farm – located close to Nairn it is open from June to Dec with a Farm Food Shop and a Pick your own fruit and veg.  Picnic tables for nibbling on the fruit you’ve just picked.
• Brodie Countryfare between Forres & Nairn – with womens, mens, kids, toys, home and more it stocks major brands like UGG and has a lovely restaurant too.
• Johnston’s of Elgin Cashmere Shopping Village - offering womens, mens, baby and new home collection plus a free tour of the factor and Coffee shop – great for a visit.
• Baxters of Fochabers – for all Baxter produce and restaurant too just enjoy your visit and the lovely freshly made highland food!
• Storehouse of Foulis – 17 miles north of Inverness on the coast of the Cromarty Firth you’ll enjoy a fabulous restaurant from breakfast to a light supper of homemade delights.  Then visit the Farm shop for local produce and gifts.  A local delight well worth a visit with lovely views.
• Falls of Shin – a great visitors attraction north of Inverness and stunning waterfalls, shopping, restaurant, gifts, walks, mini golf, geocaching, adventure play area – great for all the family.
• Fiddlers – Coffee Shop & Restaurant in Drumnadrochit (Loch Ness) ideal if you want a break from Nessie hunting.  Also offers Fiddlers Whisky Bar and Beer Cellar.
• Dores Inn – a lovely pebble beach on the Inverness side of Loch Ness only 10 miles from the town centre it is ideal for kids dipping their toes into the loch and the Inn provides delicious food year round.  A great stop for any time of year.  Dores on Loch Ness.
• Foyers Tea Rooms - 10 miles south of dores on the quieter eastern shore of loch ness the village is just under a mile’s walk from the pier to through steep woodland where you’ll find a the highland village Stores & Tea Rooms.  Take the walk to Foyers Falls and enjoy the many woodland trails.
• The Dairy at Daviot – just outside inverness on the A9 the Dairy offers a lovely Cafe ideal for a morning coffee or lunch.  Also offers a delicious Sunday carvery too.
• House of Bruar – a great stop if you are traveling on the A9 north or south about 70 miles from Inverness this is shopping and dining heaven – lots of scottish produce and many different shops to browse through makes a great stop off on the way up or on the way home.  We’ve even been known to go down just for Sunday lunch!