Buy locally around the route!
Whether you’re planning a stay at a self-catering property, a picnic for a day out, or just looking to sample some of the finest local foods in the North Highlands, shopping locally is an absolute must! Rather than stocking up at a supermarket, make the most of the farm shops, local grocery stores, delis and farmers markets as you travel around the North Coast 500.
In this article, we’ll showcase some of the very finest farm shops, delis, farm shops and smokeries around the North Coast 500 route. Check out the wide range of mouth-watering, fresh produce for which the North Highlands are best known, and try to tie in a visit to a market somewhere along the way.
Are you camping around the North Coast 500? Find out ‘how to eat like a foodie whilst camping‘! If you’re looking for a gift for friends or family – or just to treat yourself – check out the range of arts and crafts shops and retail experiences around the North Coast 500.
Shops, delis and smokehouses
The Storehouse
Situated on the shores of the Cromarty Firth (near the start and end of the North Coast 500 route), stock up on local produce from The Storehouse. Offering relaxed dining throughout the day, the Storehouse also boasts one of the best wee farm shops in the North Highlands. They have a wide selection of produce to choose from, whether you are looking for meats, fish, bread and cheeses, or chutneys, preserves and home baking. It’s easy to see why the Storehouse is popular among visitors and locals alike!
Here, you’ll find everything you need to cook up breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Storehouse’s superb collection of vegetables, meats, breads and cheeses is inspired by the owners’ love of farming – and of great food. The shop’s close links with local farmers allows them to supply the freshest vegetables from the immediate area; picked in the morning and delivered on the same day. Potatoes, for example, are grown only a few fields away!
Home baking and home cooking is at the centre of the Storehouse’s ethos – you’ll also find their sister business’ home cooked, frozen ready meals here too, from venison casserole to fish pie – with ingredients all locally sourced from the surrounding estates and farms. Home-baked cakes are available to sample in the Storehouse’s restaurant, too, or add to a hamper for your self-catered accommodation. Order in advance, or make up a hamper as you make your way around the shop. You may get carried away with all the delicious products on offer – but don’t forget to add some local wines, gins and beers!
The Storehouse, near Evanton
All things fishy
Fishing is a large part of the economy in the north Highlands. Stop and find out what happens to the fish after they are caught, then opt to stock up on some smokey goodies or a delicious picnic for the road at the Applecross Smokehouse. Located just outside Applecross, on the beautiful Applecross Peninsula at Kenmore, this family-run smokery started business as MacIver Shellfish in 1998, selling fresh shellfish and hot smoked salmon. Applecross Smokehouse as we know and love was founded in 2014, focusing on producing smoked seafood and cheeses to gourmet standards. From smoked haddock to scallops, Applecross Smokehouse merges artisan methods with top-of-the-range equipment to produce the very finest flavours.
Photo: Fiona Watson Photography, Applecross Smokehouse
Or why not drop into Scottish Premium Seafood in Inverness where you will find the very best, fresh quality seafood. From sea to store in just a matter of hours, their mission is to provide the freshest and most delicious seafood to their customers. While much is fished from the family boat in Mallaig, absolutely everything they sell has been sustainably sourced from Scottish waters. It doesn’t get more local than that!
Fine food delicatessen on the west coast
Whether you are just after a quick espresso and a roll, ingredients for your supper, a picnic for the hills, a platter for a party or a welcome pack for your Highland stay, check out the West Coast delicatessen in Ullapool. This fabulous food store has an extensive range of quality local Highland produce, sourced from small artisan suppliers, including smoked salmon, cured venison, award-winning black pudding, the best of farmhouse cheeses and freshly baked bread, to name but a few. Enjoy homemade humus, salads and pies fresh from their tiny kitchen, and be tempted by desserts, tarts and naughty cream cakes.
Enjoy the spectacular coastal views
Culkein Stores is a small family run business based in the spectacular coastal location of Culkein Stoer, situated off the popular Drumbeg coastal loop. From their seaside cabin, The Culkein Store offers a range of local produce and arts and crafts. Their mini jammery produces a selection of jams, chutneys and marmalade in the traditional hand-made stove top method, with no additives for a fresher, sweeter taste. They also produce oils, salts and sauces, as well as fresh bread on selected baking days, Scottish tablet, and ice cream during the warmer months.
Their craft shop stocks a wide selection of unique items, all created in Culkein by the owners, Amanda and Steve. Pop in and visit them – you won’t regret it!
Photo: Culkein Stores
Pick up some general supplies on route
While you’re travelling the North Coast 500 route, you’ll find that most towns, villages and hamlets you’ll pass through will have a village shop – some of which may provide more than essential groceries! For example, fishing permits can be purchased at Bettyhill General Merchants, while Dingwall Model Shop doubles up as a great place to hire rods for a day by the water.
While you’re in the Coigach region, stop in past Achiltibuie Stores for essentials. Established in 1900, this is the oldest independent grocers in the area, with a brilliant reputation for service. Mackays Hardware and Chandlery at Lochinver, too, could prove a highly useful stop – this hardware and DIY store stocks an extensive range of camping, fishing and cycling equipment, as well as Calor Gas. R Mackays & Sons village store in Durness also stock a variety of camping equipment and 24/7 fuel.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a gift for a friend, family member or just for yourself, our community markets and some farmers markets showcase the diverse craftsmanship around the route. Check out our selection of craft shops around the route, too, and bring home a truly unique souvenir.
Farmers Markets and Craft Markets on the NC500
Farmers’ markets and craft markets are fast becoming a regular feature across towns and villages in the Highlands of Scotland, and it’s not hard to see why! Providing locals and visitors alike with the opportunity to sample a wonderful array of delicious local produce and purchase handmade arts and crafts, markets also give back to the local economy.
The Highlands is an excellent spot for discovering fresh, locally sourced produce and our producers offer some of the finest produce around! Why not sample some of these delicious items as well as discover some of the beautiful hand-made arts and crafts. Make sure to add some markets and shops to your NC500 itinerary.
Markets are generally held periodically throughout the month, in various locations across the route. Read our guide below to some of the markets and shops on route…
Find out where you can find the finest produce at farmers markets and craft fairs along the NC500:
Who: Inverness Farmers’ Market
Where: Eastgate end of the High Street, Inverness IV2 3NA
When: First Saturday of every month, 9am until 4pm (from February till December + pre-Christmas market)
What: Inverness is home to the biggest farmers market along the North Coast 500. Featuring prominent local businesses from across Inverness-shire and beyond, purchase from a selection of vegetables, fruit, meat, dairy, bread and cakes.
Who: Dornoch Community Market, Dornoch
Where: The market runs from 9:30 am to 1 pm on the Cathedral Green.
When: 2nd Wednesday of the Month May-September and 4th Wednesday June- August
What: Come and browse up to 30 stalls with homegrown produce, plants, arts & crafts, baking, artisan bread, specialist chocolates, cheese, handmade cosmetics, jewellery, gifts & clothing.
Who: Dingwall Farmers’ Market, Dingwall
Where: High Street, Dingwall, IV15 9HL
When: Second Saturday of every month
What: Dingwall Farmers’ Market is held in the pedestrian-friendly area of the High Street and Supports local producers and the local community with lots of market stalls and stalls for voluntary organisations.
Who: Poolewe Tuesday Market, Poolewe
Where: Poolewe Hall, Poolewe, IV22 2LD
When: Every Tuesday, 10am to 2.30pm
What: A fantastic community market featuring a range of stalls from food and drink to arts & crafts.
Who: Ullapool Farmers’ Markets, Ullapool
Where: Seaforth Car Park, Seaforth Lane, Ullapool, IV26 2XB
When: Every Saturday (April – September), 9.30am – 4.30pm
What: The Ullapool Farmers Market offers a wide variety of local produce including vegetables, home baking, jams, plants and crafts.
Who: Made in Assynt, Craft and Produce Markets, Lochinver
Where: Lochinver Hall
When: 10am – 4pm, 26th April, 17th May, 31st May, 21st June, 5th July, 19th July, 2nd August, 30th August, 13th September, 18th October, 30th November (Christmas Market)
What: Made in Assynt showcases talented artists, crafts people and crofters from Assynt and the surrounding areas, and provides access to a fine selection of locally grown and produced food. At each of these Highland craft fairs you’ll find a great variety of goods for sale, including local pottery, glassware, jewellery, clothing, knitting yarns, horn craft, books by local author, wood turning, artworks, jams and preserves, hand baked breads, fresh vegetables and various other unique local gifts and produce.
Who: North Kessock Community Market
Where: North Kessock Village Hall
When: Last Saturday of each month between 10 am and 12.30pm
What: Lovely, local fresh vegetables and other produce, such as local crafts. Stop by for a cup of coffee and a blether – much more sociable than supermarket shopping!
Who: Cromarty Community Market
Where: Victoria Hall
When: Second Saturday of each month 11 am – 2 pm
What: Local food, garden plants, crafts, hand-made soap and a ‘swap your stuff’ stall.
Who: Culbokie Community Market
Where: Findon Hall, Culbokie
When: 3rd Saturday of each month between 10am and 12.30pm
What: A fantastic market bringing together high quality local food and drink produce, from meats, cheeses and herbal remedies, to vegetables, handmade chocolate, local arts, crafts and jewellery.
If you organise a farmers’ market and it is not listed here, please get in touch! Additionally, if you know of any of the above information to be incorrect, please contact us at [email protected]
Photo: The Culkein Store, Made in Assynt Market
