Gifts that keep on giving with Spey Valley Retail!

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When I think of Spey Valley I think water, wildlife, and wilderness. Well, that’s what I used to think. But now, after a fantastic day spent at Spey Valley Shopping, part of Macdonald Aviemore Resort in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, I am thinking Barbour, Dubarry and Katie Loxton.

I’m also thinking about food hampers, timeless jewellery, and classy and quirky homeware, and I’m thinking about Christmas. Because in just a single trip I have found the answers to everyone’s wishlists and even squirrelled away a few sneaky treats for myself.

There is no need to worry about postal strikes, parking spots, or battling wintry weather with shopping bags. Because everything I need for a wonderful – local – Christmas, is right here.

I’ve long known about Spey Valley Retail, but I’d almost forgotten it was there. You too? Then come with me, as we open the doors on this treasure trove of luxury clothing brands, gifts, homeware and food and drink.

My mission was Christmas shopping for family and friends, but there’s a selfish streak in me needs to be listened to, so I strode past the kids’ toyshop, on a beeline for Mos Mosh. This Danish brand, famous for stylish jeans and flattering winter coats, is a favourite with those in the know. That long-length creamy down jacket will keep me toasty on long winter walks, and I loved that pop of burnt orange from the Masai jumper I tried on underneath. In the bag!

“Gift shopping!”, I reminded myself. And it was working, until I spotted a beautiful pair of Dubarry kneelength country boots. Blue or green? Decisions, decisions… perfect to keep my feet cosy while I’m out in my new coat…

Back to Christmas shopping. I’d not come across the stunning silver jewellery from Spanish company Uno de 50, but what a find. I’m not telling you who that charm bracelet was for, it might spoil the surprise, but I loved the hoop earrings and striking necklaces too. Hint hint…

Katie Loxton is one of THE names in handbags, and is there anything cheerier than bold, bright red? They stock her sunglasses too, so if the sun shines on my winter walks, or I want to pretend that it isn’t the morning after the night before, then I’m winning.

After a detour via the skincare section (don’t you just love Elemis and Neom?) and past the handcrafted candles from Cairn Candle Co, made right here in the Cairngorms (the Lairig Ghru one will remind me the walking route is still on my list) I made it back to the deli department.

What a welcome it offers – a festive foodie counter, laden with chocolates and cheeses, pâtés and olives, and shelves and displays, groaning under the weight of a carefully curated selection of local produce, including beers from Cairngorm and Loch Ness Breweries, Cairngorm and Inverness Gins and – of course – whiskies from Speyside and beyond.

Choose your favourite treats for your fridge, drinks cabinet, and larder, and the friendly team can pack anything you choose into a gift hamper for someone special.

I’ve not yet touched on menswear or homeware, cards, gifts, or treasures for kids; there’s so much more than I have space here to tell. Come for yourself and rediscover the joy of “in real life” great value shopping. See you there!

Spey Valley Shopping at Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort is open 10am-5pm, Monday-Saturday, and on Sundays from November 17 to end December. Free parking.

Spey Valley Shopping – make a day of it!

Take the train from Inverness – the station is just across the road – and enjoy post-shopping prosecco, cocktails, and wood-fired pizzas, from Giovannis.

The kids will love to combine festive shopping with a trip to see Santa or to the cinema, or let them run off some steam in the soft play or outdoor playparks.

Just 40 minutes from Inverness, and an hour or so from Elgin, Spey Valley Shopping is a brilliant day out.

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