Dashing through the snow, on a one-horse open sleigh, over fields we go, laughing all the way… to the shops for your Christmas shopping.
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It’s time to deck those halls and jingle those bells. Chestnuts are roasting on an open fire and the mulled wine is brewing.
We all know what that means, Christmastime is coming. The Christmas lights are twinkling around the tree and the stockings are ready to be hung up around the fireplace.
The only thing you’ve got left to do is get your presents but you’re a little stuck on what to buy for those special people in your life.
Here’s some inspiration if you’re feeling a little uninspired and need to get on with your Christmas shopping.
Karen Duncan Jewellery
Karen Duncan was born in Orkney and grew up on Burray, one of the southern isles of Orkney. While still at school she started making jewellery. Her hobby grew into a passion and then a full-time profession spanning over 30 years.
From her workshop on the island of Burray, Karen creates distinctive and beautifully finished pieces, which incorporate geometric shapes and intricate detail, inspired by the shapes and textures of the Orkney landscape and its rich heritage.
With stunning views overlooking Water Sound and one of the Churchill Barrier’s which link her home island of Burray to the Orkney mainland, Karen’s workshop is where she is happiest.
The view from the window provides daily inspiration for new designs, allowing Karen to experiment with different textures and colours, perfecting each piece before it is crafted, finished and packaged up ready for sale. Her versatility, understanding of materials and attention to detail result in jewellery made with passion, care and precision, delivered from her home to your home. Learn more on the Karen Duncan website.
Stobo Castle
When it comes to choosing the ultimate present, a voucher for a spa experience will be received with joy. Indulge your loved one this Christmas with the gift of relaxation – a Stobo Castle gift voucher.
The award-winning Scottish Castle is set deep within the Scottish Borders countryside in private grounds and surrounded by vast pine forests and a tranquil lake. Stobo Castle is the ultimate escape where one can indulge in a luxurious haven, unwind and enjoy some of the finest hospitality and first-class service that Scotland has to offer.
The lucky recipient can look forward to a well-deserved catch up with friends in beautiful surroundings, time alone to re-charge the batteries or a romantic break enjoying delicious cuisine and relaxing treatments.
Leave the choice to them with monetary vouchers from £50 or give a specific experience with a Spa Day voucher from £119. If a more inclusive treat is in order, short breaks are available from £199pppn including all meals and use of the world-class spa facilities.
Treat someone special who deserves to be pampered. Give them a Stobo Castle gift voucher. Ordering is quick and easy by calling 01721 725300 or visiting the Stobo Castle website.
Leonard Brown
Leonard is one of the busiest musicians in the UK. He’s in great demand as an accordionist, pianist, compère, bandleader and guest artist at accordion and fiddle events. He was crowned The All-Scotland Accordion Champion in 2012 and has been organising concerts, theatre shows and dance weekend events since 2016.
Leonard and his All-Star Band have recorded 7 albums since 2016 and he’s got some special offers for the festive period and a perfect Christmas gift for a friend or loved one. If you don’t have a CD player, don’t worry, you can purchase a USB with the music on, perfect for a car!
His All-Star Band have recently been nominated for Dance Band of the Year at The Trad Awards which are held in December every year. This is something he and the rest of the musicians in his Band are very proud of.
Leonard is once again teaming up with fiddle extraordinaire Maggie Adamson from Shetland and together they will be doing a mini tour in March 2023. Follow this link to the website, the tickets for the events and the special offers!
Happy Listening! Learn more on Leonard’s website.
Buth Bharraigh
Bùth Bharraigh (Barra Shop) is based in Castlebay on the Isle of Barra. The Isles of Barra and Vatersay are beautiful places to spend time walking the beaches, spotting the wildlife or taking part in some watersports.
Shop with Bùth Bharraigh this Christmas and buy unique hand-crafted gifts from the Isles of Barra and Vatersay. We have beautiful knitwear, gifts such as soap, felted soaps, jams, marmalades, chutney, original art and prints, books.
So many wonderful gifts in the shop that we can’t put it all online. Therefore, we have a free personal shopping service – over zoom or facetime – we will give a personal tour. We also do complimentary gift wrapping and will make up hampers.
Buying Christmas gifts with us will help support local producers and our community hub which helps us provide Visitor Information and other services for the local community. If you would like to visit Barra and Vatersay, visit the Buth Bharraigh website for further information, help planning your trip and finding accommodation.
Artisans
Throughout Scotland there are people with immense skill and talent, who are using both modern and traditional methods to handcraft beautiful Scottish products.
Artisans of Scotland think these products, and the people who craft them should be celebrated across the world.
Neil, Ben and Stu are the minds behind Artisans of Scotland. After a personal experience of buying some incredible customised Scottish products and learning from the maker, Ben started wondering how it would be possible to create access of these products to the wider population. He realised that with their combined skillset they could connect the customer to the story and the product. Artisans of Scotland was born.
Artisans of Scotland offers a wide and varied selection of products which range from custom crafted Sporrans to hand poured Candles. They have a variety of great gift ideas all made in Scotland, which they can get to you in time for Christmas wherever you are in the world.
For the best products Scotland has to offer, check out Artisans website. Use code GIFT5 at checkout for 5% off (Valid until 31/12/22).