Shopping trips: All points north

Sometimes, you just need to take a day out of the city and explore some new sights and different shops for a change. You could come back with some new outfits, half your Christmas shopping taken care of or a whole new look. Here’s our pick of unmissable places to shop and visit in the towns in the northern half of the shire…

Banff, Macduff & Fraserburgh

Take a walk along Banff’s High Street and admire the Georgia frontages of many of the houses, take in an exhibition at Duff House, sign up for a jewellery making workshop at The Smiddy by Vanilla Ink, or indulge yourself with a sugar rush at The Candy Box. Head over the bridge to Macduff, where you can visit the Marine Aquarium, visit the wildlife at Troup Head RSPB Nature Reserve or pick up some great new pieces for your wardrobe at The Platform before enjoying a snack or something sweet at Annie’s Cakery. You can walk of the calories with a brisk walk up the Hill of Doune towards the Temple of Venus.

Pop along the coast to Fraserburgh where you’ll find Tres Chic, a great independent boutique on Cross Street. Fraserburgh is also home to the North Aberdeenshire office of VT Wealth Management, who can help you create a more secure financial future with advice on investments, planning for retirement and other life events. They’re also in Bridge of Don. Once all that’s sorted out, take a stroll round the harbour and pick up some fish or seafood from one of the town’s many suppliers. 

Ellon

Ellon makes for a rewarding day out, particularly if you like history and sweets. The town is surrounded by castles and stately homes. The estate grounds at Haddo have been reopened after last winter’s storms brought down around half a million trees, so it’s now possible to take a stroll through the autumn landscapes. 

The picturesque ruins of Tolquhon Castle are worth a visit too, not least because you can also pop into the Tolquhon Gallery which runs six exhibitions a year and stocks over 150 artists. The gallery specialises in established Scottish artists and emerging artists. If you’d prefer to make your own art, you could pre-book at pottery and ceramics painting session at BeeCrafty Studio, just outside the town.

If nature’s more your thing, take a detour to Forvie Sands Nature Reserve
at Collieston and have a wander through the ever-shifting dunes. 

If you like a bit of a rummage, then Ellon’s Indoor Market is worth a visit for its ever-changing, gloriously random selection of second hand and vintage items. You could come home with a garden train set or an antique treasure. 

Ellon’s also a great choice if you fancy giving either your home, or yourself a bit of a makeover. Fraser’s of Ellon on Ythan Terrace is a family business that’s been supplying the best in furniture and flooring for over 90 years. They’ll price match and offer free delivery up to 40 miles which is always an indication of wonderful customer service. 

Jenny Grey is an amazingly talented makeup artist specialising in Bridal and special occasions. You’ll find her studio on Bridge Street, where she and
her talented team also offer nails, lashes, brows and hair extensions. You could come out looking like a whole new woman! 

CatWalkers on Station Road is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in stylish clothing. Alison Walker and her team are always happy to provide positive, but objective advice and you could emerge with a surge of self-confidence and new ideas on what you can wear. Luckily CatWalkers carry stock in sizes 8-24, which may come in handy if you’ve overindulged with a visit to The Chocolate Bar or Hey Sweetie!

The Chocolate Bar can be found on Market Street and is a combination of a café and an artisan chocolate maker. They sometimes have workshops where you can learn to make your own truffles or Chocolate Tasting sessions. 

Hey Sweetie looks like an old-fashioned confectioners’ with rows and rows of jars filled with colourful sweeties. They carry some sugar-free and gluten-free lines too. It’s also on Market Street. We’d suggest either might be a good source of Christmas presents, but we all know that whatever you buy will be devoured long before December. 

Other speciality shops worth seeking out include Better Read, an independent bookshop on Ythan Terrace that has great sections on Scottish history and books in Doric. Jules’ Healing Gems is on Market Street and stocks every type of crystal under the sun, as well as jewellery, essential oils, artwork and greetings cards. 

Udny is also worth a stop if you’re feeling hungry. You’ll find Eat on The Green, one of the shire’s most highly rated restaurants, at Udny Green. Udny’s Still Spirit at Whisky Hammer specialist auctioneers, offers superb selection of rare whiskies and tasting experiences. 

Inverurie

Inverurie is another good choice for a day trip out of the city. It has a good selection of interesting independent shops like Strachan’s on West High Street which started out as a fruit and veg cart back in 1938 and has evolved into a newsagent, toy shop, deli and ice cream supplier and a gift shop. Mitchell’s of Inverurie, just across the road at the Market Square grew from a dairy farm but now has a grocery come gift shop. Another old family firm is William Bruce. The footwear specialist can be found on the High Street. 

Niche food specialists retailers abound in Inverurie. Check out Davidson’s the butcher which has some unusual offerings, like Full Boar pork pies made with BrewDog Beer, alongside its fish and bakery sections. You’ll find both them and The Inverurie Whisky Shop on Burn Lane. Similarly, you’ll find A&G Collie Butchers in Kemnay, and Hattoncrook Farm Shop and Deli at McGregor Farm near Whiterashes.

If you’re in the mood for some pampering and high-end aesthetic treatments, then both Aesthtic Beauty Inverurie and Clinetix should be on your must visit list. Martina at Aesthetic Beauty is a miracle worker when it comes to aging or problem skin, while Cliinetix’s medical-grade facials, injectables, body contouring and skin tightening services are well worth the trip out of town. 

 The Garioch Heritage Centre has a LEGO Brick City exhibit for all of October that’s a good choice for a day out with kids. If you’re more of an action-adventure type, then book an activity day at Lochter Activity Centre at Oldmeldrum. There are tons of things to choose from archery to zorbing. They’ve got a good café too. 

Given that the next few months can see some extreme weather, it might be advisable to pre-book and check in with Tawse Tyres and have some winter tyres fitted. They can make winter driving much safer and easier, especially when roads are wet or snowy. 

Balmedie

Balmedie makes a great stopping off point on your northern day trip. Take a wander along the beach or pop into Indi + Will for some wonderful childrenswear, clothing for adults, gifts and toys, or head to Trump International for lunch, afternoon tea, or 18 holes on the world-class golf links. Trump International always has some amazing festive events in November and December, so keep an eye out and pre-book if necessary.