Unique, independent shops in Inverness

Unique local shops to visit in Inverness

Inverness is a great city for shopping. We have everything from designer brands to high street favourites. But if you want to support local, independent businesses during your shopping break, the city also has a great selection of unusual and speciality shops. Perfect for picking up a special souvenir or gift for a loved one. Supporting local businesses is good for the environment and the economy. It also gives you the opportunity to find something a little different to take back home with you, that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. So, here are some of our favourite unique shops and small Scottish chains in Inverness. (Please check their opening days/hours before visiting).

Leakey’s Bookshop

Housed in a Gaelic church, Leakey’s is worth a visit. It is Scotland’s largest secondhand bookshop and has over 100,000 selected volumes. Just a 20-minute walk from us here at Kingsmills Hotel, it’s a fabulous experience wandering among the shelves of books looking for a long-forgotten tome. And if you get hungry or thirsty while you’re there, they have a bistro-style cafe on the mezzanine with an open fire (yes you read that right).

Highland House of Fraser

The Highland House of Fraser is family-run store, specialising in Highland dress. Manufacturing bespoke, hand-sewn kilts in a wide variety of tartans. You can also visit The Scottish Kiltmaker Visitor Centre, within the kiltmaking workshop, where you can learn all about Scottish traditional dress.

Judith Glue

Judith is an entrepreneur from Orkney in the Northern Isles of Scotland, and she has now brought her popular brand to Inverness. Championing the best Scottish produce from Orkney, the Highlands and Islands, Judith Glue is the place to pick up beautiful knitwear and gifts.

The Merchant

The Merchant is a wonderful antique store, where you might find a hidden treasure. Selling a wide range of items of all shapes and sizes, including art, furniture, collectables and jewellery.

Young’s Auld Sweetie Shop

An old-fashioned sweet shop, dedicated to retro and modern sweets, chocolate and candy, with a Scottish flavour. Evoking memories of childhood, find your favourite sweet treat at Young’s Auld Sweetie Shop.

Castle Gallery

Art lovers must visit the Castle Gallery, in the lee of Inverness Castle. With a range of beautiful paintings, prints, sculptures, jewellery, glass and ceramics, you’re sure to find something unique and special here. The building dates back to the early 18th century and the gallery is in a section that has been sympathetically restored. There is a large selection of art by both Scottish and British artists, across two floors. Knowledgeable, friendly staff are on hand to help customers with any purchase or enquiry.

Isle of Skye Candle Company

The Isle of Skye Candle Company hand-makes home fragrances and candles on the Isle of Skye. The Scottish company places an emphasis on sustainability, using natural, recyclable ingredients and packaging.

Highland Whisky Shop

The Highland Whisky Shop is an independent, family-owned store, selling a large selection of whiskies and gins from around Scotland. They also have a tasting bar, where you can sample a few drams.

The Drawing Room

The Drawing Room is a small, family business that opened in 2007. They stock a variety of gifts, jewellery and home furnishings specially selected for their quality and style. They are also the exclusive stockists in Inverness of Emma Bridgewater Pottery, East of India Gifts and Joma Jewellery. And they make and personalise items to order in the shop.

Chisholms Highland Dress

Chisholms Highland Dress is run by an Inverness family and has been making kilts for generations. For Highland dress in all its rich variety, the traditional choice of Highlanders themselves is Chisholms. They have the reputation of the ‘Saville Row’ of kilts and are known for their sharp tailoring too.

Half A Moon

10 miles east of Inverness, in Ardersier, Half A Moon is a stained-glass specialist. The gorgeous range includes glass panels, clocks, lamps, mirrors and candleholders.

Connage Cheese Pantry

This popular cheese shop is located at Connage Highland Dairy, a traditional family farm, also in Ardersier. Stocking a full range of cheeses handmade on the farm and a hand-picked selection of guest cheeses.

Thank you for supporting local, independent and speciality shops in Inverness. This is one small way you can make a big difference. Find out more ways you can enjoy an eco-friendly holiday in the Highlands.