A Caithness Christmas gift guide

Supporting local artists and makers is a great way to celebrate the holiday season. Here are some Caithness-themed gift ideas that showcase the talent and uniqueness of the region.

Many artists draw their creativity from the surrounding landscapes in Caithness. If you are looking for something unique for the special person in your life, consider gifting an original artwork

Add a touch of sparkle

Surprise that special someone in your life with the gift of jewellery. It’s not just a wonderful way to bolster small businesses; it’s guaranteed to add a touch of joy to the recipient’s day!

Kelly Munro Jewellery
Kelly Munro Jewellery range photo © Copyright Kelly Munro Jewellery

Kelly Munro Jewellery
Contemporary jewellery and paintings inspired by the coast. Handmade in Caithness, Scotland. Please note that Kelly is currently on Maternity leave, however, there is an opportunity to purchase items via her Facebook page and at local craft fairs.

Lindsey Gallacher Melvich pendant and earrings set
Melvich pendant and earrings set photo © Copyright Lindsey Gallacher Jewellery and Art

Lindsey Gallacher Jewellery and Art
Lindsey’s Jewellery is Contemporary and unique in that she uses flagstone sourced around Caithness to create her eye-catching designs.

Vintage Dunnet Head Lindsey Gallacher
Vintage Dunnet Head by Lindsey Gallacher image © Copyright Lindsey Gallacher Jewellery and Art

Lindsey’s Scratch Art inspired by the local landscape of Caithness is beautiful and really captures the wild beauty of her surroundings.

You can visit her shop in Thurso, 15 Traill Street, SCT KW14 8EJ or shop online.

Give the gift of art

Many artists draw their creativity from the surrounding landscapes in Caithness. If you are looking for something unique for the special person in your life, consider gifting an original artwork from a talented Caithness artist and bring a piece of this inspiration into their space.

Greenshank Wader bird wildlife watercolour and acrylics Elaine Rapson-Grant original art work
Greenshank Wader bird watercolour and acrylics image © Copyright Elaine Rapson-Grant

Elaine Rapson-Grant lives in Scrabster, Scotland, she uses nature and paint in her art works. She enjoys getting out and about with her easel, exploring new and exciting things that catch her eye. You can see and purchase her creations via her Etsy shop, at local exhibitions and on her Facebook page.

Keith Tilley_Strabeg-Bothy
Keith Tilley Strabeg-Bothy photo © Copyright Keith Tilley Artist

Keith Tilley Artist is a watercolour artist in the North of Scotland. His interest is the landscape and its history. If you would like details about purchasing, or to discuss commissioning a painting, please contact Keith by email at – [email protected] or via his Facebook page.

Mudness Ceramics Ceramic Espresso Cup
Ceramic Espresso Cup photo © Copyright Mudness Ceramics

Mudness ceramics is a shop in Balnakeil Craft Village that sells both functional and decorative ceramics, silk scarves and woolly rugs all handmade by local artist Martina MacLeod. You can purchase pieces directly from the Etsy Shop.

Something fragrant

Whether given as a gesture of self-care or as a thoughtful present to a loved one, the gift of soap, candles, and fragrances has the power to uplift spirits, create a serene environment, and contribute to a sense of well-being.

Made In The Hills Wax Melts
Wax Melts photo © Copyright Made In The Hills

Made In The Hills are a young “2021” ethical British company based in the beautiful flow country of Caithness deep in the Scottish Highlands. They make a range of Vegan friendly candles, wax melts and gifts for the home and dog lover inspired by a love of the wild Scottish Highlands. Facebook page

Skeggi Soap
Skeggi Soap photo © Copyright Skeggi Soap Co

Skeggi Soap Co use 100% natural and foraged herbs and flowers in their soaps, from the beach at Thasvik (Freswick) to the rolling heather moors. 100% organic soap base, Essential oils, Vegan, Cruelty free, SLS free. If you would like to purchase anything email [email protected] or message on Facebook.

A Festive tipple

Explore a delightful array of flavored beverages from local suppliers, perfect for adding a festive touch to your favorite dram.

GINgle all the Way - Rock Rose Gin
GINgle all the Way – Rock Rose Gin photo © Copyright Dunnet Bay Distillery – Rock Rose Gin

North Point Distillery produce award winning rum and gin from Forss, west of Thurso. They have some great gift sets perfect for anyone who enjoys a dram of Rum or Gin.

John O’Groats Brewery do a selection of three bottled ales packaged in a stunning gift set. perfect for anyone who enjoys beer!

Dunnet Bay Distillery: Producer of world-renowned Rock Rose gin and Holy Grass vodka have some great festive tipples! Rock Rose Gin Winter Edition is a juniper led earthy gin with fragrant pine notes, delightfully earthy and slightly citrusy. Gingerbread Espresso Martini is a delicious blend of cold brew coffee, gingerbread syrup and Holy Grass Vodka. Great for making a special coffee too!

Pulteney Distillery in Wick produce hand-crafted single malt whiskies and age them next to the sea, thereby giving them an unmistakable coastal character. If you want to treat a Whisky lover Old Pulteney Distillery Exclusive is a limited-edition tribute to the coastal hometown of Wick on the Caithness Coast which shapes the character of their whisky.

8 Doors Distillery is Scotland’s most northerly mainland whisky distillery. If you are looking for something a bit different to gift their blended liqueur is a delicious mix of blended scotch whisky, orange, ginger, honey and spice presented in a bottle inspired by the famous John O’Groats signpost.

There are many more talented folk in the area – the perfect way to find great gift inspiration is to visit Artists, Crafters & Confectioners at Artisans North Spectacular Christmas Craft Fair and Show at Masonic Hall, Thurso Saturday 2nd of December 11am-3pm.

Victoria DixonBy Victoria Dixon
Orkney and Shetland fanatic, likes to capture life through a lens, loves creating, eclectic taste in music, enjoys being a Mum; would secretly love to be a star of the West End!

Pin it!A Caithness Christmas gift guide

Header image: Keith Tilley Rock Stack at Castle Sinclair, watercolour photo © Copyright Keith Tilley Artist Pinterest image: Scarfskerry Croft photo © Copyright Lindsey Gallacher Jewellery and Art