There is plenty of browsing to be enjoyed - obviously, more in the larger towns such as Fort William, Nairn, Aviemore, Dingwall, Wick, Thurso, Ullapool and so on - but especially the smaller villages and the range of country-based businesses have plenty to interest visitors.

Be prepared for surprises - there's a branch of Harrods at the Falls of Shin, a bookshop up a track out in the rugged countryside by Lochinver, there are antique shops and fine art studios in some quite unlikely places, and country-style classic clothing in many villages near popular tourist spots, as well as garden centres taking advantage of the mild air of the west coast.

Numerous farm shops, selling the finest, fresh, seasonal produce and if you have a sweet tooth then indulge yourself in the luxurious chocolates at Cocoa Mountain in Durness. If you like relaxing and sharing a dram then there is no shortage of distilleries or whisky shops where you can pick up a bottle or two of your favorite tipple. In short, wherever you travel, shopping for those holiday indulgences, as well as gifts and souvenirs, will be quite easy.