Crafts & Shopping
Moray Speyside’s rich culture of craftsmanship extends far beyond the world of whisky. For centuries, The Malt Whisky Trail area has been home to weavers, makers, and builders. The fruits of the region are sold the world over, and celebrated by global retail powerhouses.
Crafting heritage
Johnstons of Elgin is a historic mill has been producing fine cashmere, tweeds, and woollens for hundreds of years, and is now a globally recognised centre of excellence working with fashion houses around the world. The site houses a large shop filled with the family-run firm’s own designs, as well as other quality Scottish products. The mill is a fantastic place to visit if you are also visiting the nearby Glen Moray distillery.
Knockando Woolmill, near Cardu distillery, is recognised as a unique part of Scotland’s manufacturing heritage. The site, which was restored in 2000, houses a delightful shop which showcases the mill’s unique range. The mill is a fantastic place to discover Speyside’s craft heritage.
Souvenir shopping in Speyside
Collector’s Cabin in Dufftown, near Glenfiddich, is a shop filled with curiosities and antiques, many of which come from the area’s rich past.
‘Mither Tongue’ sells gifts and cards inspired by the local Scots dialect, Doric, and is handy for visiting Strathisla, in Keith.
Pencil Me In is a contemporary gift shop in Elgin selling Scottish design and locally produced wares, and nearby Alluring Boutique and Sirology are well worth a visit.
Logie Steading is a centre of craft, art, and literature. Logie Steading makes for an interesting day out with a wide variety of things to see and do: Contemporary art and gifts in the galleries, secondhand books, antique furniture, whisky and wine shop, and felt-making courses run throughout the year, and a heritage centre exploring the River Findhorn. Logie House Garden is open and grows many of the hardy plants available in the Farm and Garden Shop. Combine a trip with a visit to nearby Dallas Dhu or Benromach for a perfect day out.
Whisky shops
As you travel The Malt Whisky Trail and begin to open your palate to the variety of whisky produced here, you’ll want to keep on discovering long after you leave Moray Speyside. Retail outlets along The Trail are staffed by local people who are eager to share their knowledge with you, and advise you on purchases to best suit your tastes.
Gordon & Macphail is an essential stop-over for any connoisseur looking to take a little bit of Speyside home. The shop – which is run by the family-owned independent bottler – has been a fixture on Elgin’s South Street since 1895, and now houses an array of Scotch malt whisky, including some very rare and even exclusive bottles.
The Whisky Shop offers a selection of over 600 whiskies in the heart of the historic whisky town, Dufftown. The Whisky Shop staff are on hand all year round to advise on the right bottle to take home.