Finding the perfect gift for loved ones at Christmas can be an arduous task.
Panic stricken questions begin to fill one’s head: What was their shoe size last year? Do they really need a new pair of socks? Do they even like chocolate?
That’s why we have composed for you, our valued readers, a list of Scottish treats, gift ideas and amazing experiences, all of which will bring glad tidings to you and your kin this Christmas.
From classic gifts such as jewellery and artwork, to more extravagant offerings of whisky tasting, Christmas getaways or even white water rafting, just have a look at what Scotland has to offer…
Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations at Dunkeld House Hotel
Nestled on the banks of the River Tay you’ll find the perfect retreat for a traditional festive break. Escape to the Highland estate and soak up nature with the best of Scotland’s scenery.
Stroll along woodland walks, soak up the fresh air and return to a roaring fire along with some fine dining. Put your feet up, relish in Dunkeld House Hotel’s fine hospitality, and make yourselves at home.
Bring in the festive season with their three-day packages for Christmas and New Year; imagine waking up to a hearty full cooked Scottish breakfast each day!
On Christmas, enjoy three-course dinners and Christmas day lunch. Celebrate Hogmanay with yet another three-course fine dining experience and a Gala dinner all with our resident pianist.
Christmas packages start from £450.00 per person and Hogmanay £600.00 per person, with flexible booking terms providing peace of mind.
Christmas and Hogmanay packages require no payment until the 1st December 2020. Book and check availability on 01350 727771 or reservations@dunkeldhousehotel.co.uk.
Beautiful and unique pieces from Karen Duncan Jewellery
Karen Duncan is an Orkney jeweller who comes from a long line of craftspeople. She was the first jeweller in Orkney to become a member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen, in recognition of her silversmithing skills.
Inspired by the shapes and textures of the Orkney landscape and its rich heritage, Karen creates distinctive and beautifully finished pieces, which incorporate geometric shapes and intricate detail.
From her workshop on the island of Burray, Karen develops new designs and applies her keen eye and craft skills to making one-off commissions and remodelling existing pieces.
Karen’s versatility, understanding of materials and attention to detail result in jewellery made with passion, care and precision, delivered from her home to your home.
Hampers, tasters, tours and more at Deerness Distellery
Situated on a sometimes overlooked but stunning corner of Orkney Scotland, Deerness Distillery has been creating hand-crafted quality gin and vodka and liqueurs since 2017.
Stuart and Adelle Brown’s vision to create an artisan distillery in this quiet area of the Orkney mainland has flourished, and now, in their fourth year, the distillery is thriving.
There is great demand and a reputation for quality with numerous National and International awards, including their Sea Glass Gin being crowned the UK’s best gin at the Great British Food awards 2019, with their vodka and coffee liqueur scooping best products in 2020.
After a whirlwind three years since establishing Orkney’s first distillery for 130 years, transforming what was once a hobby into a business, the couple now create their award-winning produce in the confines of their spacious distillery which has been expanded in recent years to incorporate tours, tastings and a jam-packed shop.
Deerness Distillery offer fantastic all year-round hampers, gin & tonic box sets perfect for presents, as well as single bottles of their spirits & liqueurs for your pleasure.
Visit their website and commence your sensory journey today! For more information, email: info@deernessdistillery.com or give them a call on 01856 741264.
Welcome Santa into your home with the help of Fairmont
Welcome festive cheer into your homes this December with Santa Sessions – brought to you by Fairmont St Andrews.
This year, Santa has been keeping safe in the North Pole, but he still wants to see all the good boys and girls before Christmas!
So, the five-star resort is brining Santa to you live via video link.
These ten minute sessions are available for your own private session. And for an extra special treat, children can post their letters to Santa direct to the hotel so Santa can read them out.
Visit their website to book your session now.
Shop virtually at The Locharron Christmas Shop
It’s virtually Christmas! That’s true in more ways than one this year, as many of us are choosing to shop online for presents for our nearest and dearest, while staying safe at home.
To make life simpler for you, therefore, Locharron have created The Christmas Shop online, filled with some of their absolute favourites and have spruced it up with some new gift ideas which can be sent out to you or straight to your loved ones.
For those of us in Scotland and the UK, shopping at Locharron is shopping local, as all of their products are made by a team at their own mill in Selkirk in the heart of the Scottish Borders.
Lochcarron of Scotland can be traced back to 1892 when some of the first cloth was woven in Lochcarron Wester Ross and, as the world’s leading manufacturer of tartan, they clothed many a celebrity and graced many catwalks.
Make this Christmas one to remember with a gift from Lochcarron of Scotland.
Give the gift of reading with Jack the Scottish Piper
This wonderful, light-hearted story tells the tales of ornament called Jack, who takes you on a dramatic journey into his life of make believe full of excitement, humour and drama.
Jack the Scottish Piper had, until recently, not been aware of his own existence, standing stiff and motionless on the shelf of a gift shop, slightly worried and confused. Taking in his surroundings in the shop, however, it dawns on him he was a china ornament for sale.
Unknown to the humans around him, he holds a magical secret. He can walk, talk and communicate just like them. The humans are also unaware of the fact that all the china ornaments around Jack are gifted with the same ability.
The world could be Jack’s oyster, full of surprising, exciting, happy and sad experiences, if only he could get out of this shop.
And he duly does. Thus beginning The Wonderful Adventures of Jack the Scottish Piper and His Ornamental Friends.
Yer wee Scottish tuck shop, anywhere in the world
The Scot Box aims to send a sweet, Scottish reminder of hame across the world.
They have gathered Scottish brands and favourites to create a range of care packages for you or your loved ones, and have just launched their seasonal range!
Including nostalgic brands such as Irn Bru, Tunnocks, Buchanan’s and Lees of Scotland, their novelty, Scottish hampers are the perfect gift for the tartan heart you are missing.
Their International Express delivery option ensures your Scot Box is delivered efficiently and free UK shipping on all of their Scot Boxes is on offer for those living closer to home.
Christmas and Hogmanay hampers are now available – make somebody’s day with a Scot Box!
Larks Gallery: An art lover’s paradise
Larks Gallery is a friendly, contemporary gallery situated in the village of Ballater, in the heart of beautiful Royal Deeside in rural Aberdeenshire.
The gallery is owned and operated by Pip Will since 2011 and supports both local and well established artists with opportunities, as well as providing up and coming artists with space to exhibit and gain exposure and experience.
As well as original paintings and hand pulled prints there are also ceramics, glass, sculpture and jewellery of artisan quality in a variety of price ranges.
Each month at Larks Gallery there is a featured artist from within Scotland with original paintings, allowing for an ever changing variety of work and styles on show.
Christmas at Made in Argyll
Welcome to Oban, the home of Made in Argyll, a quaint little shop in the heart of the town, opposite the railway station.
The shop is stocked and manned by 40 talented, local crafters, who enjoy nothing more than a good natter with their customers and encourage all to come in for a chat and look around.
A warm welcome awaits you at Made in Argyll, where the diverse range of gifts sets them apart from your average souvenir shop; Made in Argyll is a place where everything is handcrafted with love.
With so many travel restrictions in place at the moment why not check out their range of Christmas gifts on their website, Facebook or Instagram pages. If you see anything you like, email jsmadeinargyll@gmail.com and she will arrange for the item to be posted.
You can also ask for a gift voucher to be spent when travel restrictions are lifted.
A very Couthie Christmas
Couthie offers a wonderful selection of beautiful, funny, entertaining and stylish gifts that are perfect for decorating your home or sending to friends and family.
Choose the perfect gift for a laddie, lassie or a wee one from their extensive range of products.
Many stocking fillers such as quirky card games and coasters are on offer, as well as Couthie branded hats and scarfs to keep you and your loved ones cosy during the cold winter days ahead.
Their homely items and kitchenware pieces with original prints also make the perfect gifts for those who are likely to be in charge of making the dinner on Christmas day!
Have a browse of their website and have a wonderful Couthie Christmas.
Create amazing memories with Experience Gift Scotland
When was the last time you did something for the first time?
Providing a wide range of experiences throughout the country, Experience Gift Scotland specialises in creating enthralling adventures for all ages and abilities.
They work with the best suppliers in Scotland to bring you and your loved ones memories which will last a lifetime.
Purchase with confidence with their unique guarantees; each experience voucher can be exchanged if the gift is not exactly what was wanted, customer funds are held securely and vouchers are valid for up to 12 months.
The opportunities available at Experience Gift Scotland make ideal gifts which can be electronically emailed instantly or posted in a presentation folder, perfect for those who aren’t able to celebrate Christmas together this year.
Visit their website to see what they have to offer.
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