If you’re in need of some Christmas gift inspiration, why not have a look at some of the many enticing and exciting products created by some of our clients?
We’ve created websites for a number of local producers and businesses in Shetland, Orkney and on the Scottish mainland, so have a look at what’s on offer.
And remember, post can take a bit longer to arrive during the busy days and weeks before Christmas, so be sure to check the last posting dates.
Food and drink
Shetland Reel
Many of us enjoy a dram over the festive period and the trend for gin shows no sign of abating. Why not treat a loved one to a bottle of award-winning Shetland Reel Gin – a London dry gin distilled in Unst, the most northerly inhabited island in the UK? Or, if they prefer whisky, gift them with a bottle of Shetland Reel Malt Scotch Whisky, which spends six months maturing in Oloroso Sherry casks in Unst.
This year, we like the sound of the Wild Fire gin, made in collaboration with the best-selling author Anne Cleeves. It’s a balanced dry gin with juniper and sweet spice notes that have a lingering and warming finish.
Visit Shetland Reel Gin & Whisky
Thule Ventus
A packet of Shetland air-dried salt cod makes for a quirky but exceptionally tasty stocking filler for the foodies in your life. Made from fresh fish, caught and landed in Shetland, it’s then salted and air-dried to create a traditional Shetland delicacy.
New to the market is the ready-to-eat Shetland Cod Jerky, strips of salted cod infused with honey. A deliciously addictive alternative to high protein snacks such as beef jerky or biltong.
Visit Thule Ventus
The Shetland Fudge Company
Stock up on sweet stuff this Christmas at The Shetland Fudge Company. Bairns will love a box of Puffin Poo in their stocking and we’re sure Granny will be made up with a box of Irish Cream fudge.
The Shetland Fudge Company also do amazing hampers, filled with sweet treats and other stuff, like Shetland Oaties (oatcakes), handmade preserves and even a Shetland Fudge tea towel! Ideal for loved ones who might live further away.
Visit The Shetland Fudge Company
Orkney Craft Vinegar
These beautifully-bottled craft vinegars make for a unique Christmas gift. Orkney Craft Vinegar is made from either a wine (honey, rhubarb or seaweed) or a beer (malt), then fermented on again into vinegar. The barley used for the malt vinegar is bere barley, an ancient grain unique to Orkney. Check the website for more information and recipe ideas.
Visit Orkney Craft Vinegar
Jolly’s of Orkney
Jollys of Orkney have served premium quality fish and shellfish to Orkney for almost 60 years. They also sell a wide range of other popular Orkney deli products, such as cheese, meats, and biscuits.
Why not order some smoked salmon for an indulgent Christmas breakfast? Or, treat the family to hamper stocked with Orkney-made oatcakes, shortbread and preserves? There’s free UK delivery for orders over £20.
Visit Jolly’s of Orkney
Stockan’s Orkney Oatcakes
Add even more great taste to your cheeseboard this festive period with some yummy Stockan’s Orkney oatcakes. They come in a range of shapes and sizes but most are the distinctive crescent shape. There's also mini oatcakes, flavoured versions and oat thins, all available from their online shop and in many supermarkets nationwide.
Visit Stockan’s Orkney Oatcakes
The String
If you’re in Shetland and struggling for what to buy a special someone, why not treat them to a gift voucher at The String? This Lerwick-based restaurant and bar has become something of a foodie hotspot, with head chef Akshay Borg putting his unique spin on traditional Shetland produce.
The menus change regularly and, if you’re musically inclined, you can tie your visit in with a live gig – The String is known for its varied programme of live music, with artists visiting from around the world.
Visit The String
Textiles and knitwear
Burra Bears
A Burra Bear makes for a gorgeous keepsake for people of all ages. These traditional Shetland teddy bears are made from Fair Isle jumpers and are sold all over the world.
You can even commission a bear to be made from one of your own treasured knitted garments, which can then be kept and passed down through the generations.
Visit Burra Bears
Fraser Knitwear
Shetland is known the world-over for its knitwear and Fraser Knitwear do a gorgeous range of scarves, headbands, cowls and wraps in a variety of designs and colours. Made in Shetland wool, cashmere and lambswool, they are beautifully produced and make for a luxurious gift for a loved one.
Visit Fraser Knitwear
BAKKA
BAKKA puts a modern spin on traditional Fair Isle knitwear and produce delightful range of scarves, wrist warmers, throws and stoles. All products are made using luxury 100% extra-fine merino yarn.
The 2019 collection introduced a new and unique fabric - reversible Fair Isle! Each piece has the same pattern on the reverse side of the product but with the colours inverted. A truly unique gift.
Visit BAKKA
Uradale Yarns
Knitting fans will definitely appreciate some wool from Uradale Yarns. The yarn is 100% native Shetland sheep wool that has been scoured, spun and dyed organically.
Choose from a range of colours, from natural undyed wool straight from the sheep or brighter dyed yarn. You can buy their jumper weight, double knit, Aran and chunky yarns online.
Visit Uradale Yarns
More gift ideas
Ava Innes
Ava Innes is a new Scottish brand that produce luxury cashmere bedding, including duvets, pillows, hot water bottle covers and throws. The products are made using long-haired goat fibres, which are usually cast aside when the goats are clipped, meaning these products are truly natural and sustainable. The duvets are available in a range of weights and sizes.
Visit Ava Innes
Ola Gorie Jewellery
Ola Gorie's jewellery is designed and produced in Orkney. Designs range from classical to contemporary in a range of Orcadian and Scottish styles, all handmade in their workshop in Kirkwall. Most designs are available in silver or gold.
Visit Ola Gorie Jewellery
Judith Glue
Judith Glue is a one-stop shop selling a range of Orkney-produced knitwear, gifts, food and drink. Judith's Orkney Knitwear collection is designed by her and handmade in Orkney using Scottish lambswool and merino yarns. While the hampers offer something to suit every taste – including Orkney-made cheese, preserves, fudge, oatcakes, chocolate and gin.
Visit Judith Glue
The Shetland Times Bookshop
We’re big supporters of independent bookshops and family-run Shetland Times Bookshop is something of an institution. The website has a good range of fiction and non-fiction books inspired by Shetland, its landscape and its history. There’s also a wide range of Shetland gifts, including reusable coffee cups, calendars and tote bags.
Visit The Shetland Times Bookshop