Over the last year, I've spent a lot more time exploring the biggest village on the Isle of Skye, Portree. In recent years, I've loved getting more of a chance to explore this village and see all the cool new shops that have popped up here over the last few years.
One of the best ways people visiting the Scottish Highlands and Islands can support the local economy in these rural places is by supporting local businesses in these places, so I thought I'd share some of my favourite shops that you can support during your next visit to Portree and the wider Isle of Skye.
Isle of Skye Candle Company
Probably one of my favourite brands from the Isle of Skye, I've been a huge of their candles since one of my best friends worked in their shop in Inverness. Since then, I've loved going into their shops across Scotland, smelling each of their candles and rediscovering my love for each of the Scottish seasons.
Over the last few years, Skye Candles have taken over a new visitor centre on the outskirts of Portree, which features a new shop, new restaurant called Gasta Portrigh (which serves sandwiches and toasties at lunchtime, as well as fantastic wood-fired pizzas), and Las Cinema.
Birch Coffee Co
One thing I have loved seeing in Portree over recent years is the growth of independent shops in the area. Birch is one of the shops which really excited me when it first opened. Birch is an independent coffee shop and roastery based in Portree. We first visited Birch when it first opened in 2020, and it has become one of my favourite coffee stops to visit on the Isle of Skye since. If you're looking for your coffee hit in Portree, I'd defineitly check out Birch.
Òr Shop
Whenever I visit a new place, my favourite kind of shop to find there is home and lifestyle shops. Òr is one of the best examples of these. They showcases some of the best crafts and producers from the Isle of Skye and the surrounding area. As a girl who loves looking at interiors and thinking about how to make my home feel more special, Òr is such an inspiring space for me.
Uig Pottery Shop
Another one of my favourite things to pick up from a new place is local ceramics and pottery. The last time we visiting Portree, we stumbled upon the Uig Pottery Shop on Wentworth Street. If you're looking for some classic pottery pieces to inspire you of the landscape and colours of the Isle of Skye, look no further than Uig Pottery's pieces.
I really do believe one of the best ways to support the local economy when visiting a rural community is by supporting small businesses, so I hope this guide can inspire you to think about where you are spending your money the next time you visit Portree.
Comentarios