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 even 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 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 airs of the west coast. In short, wherever you travel, shopping for those holiday indulgences, as well as gifts and souvenirs, will be quite easy.