Nestling at the foot of Ben Nevis, Lochaber is sure to have a backdrop of snow on its peaks for a magical Christmas.
Shop Local in Lochaber this Christmas and Make Your Gifts Extra Special
As the festive season approaches, there’s no better time to support local businesses while finding unique and thoughtful gifts for your loved ones. Whether you’re an early bird or a last minute shopper, local businesses offer a fantastic variety of gifts that will add a personal touch to your Christmas celebrations.
Start your gift hunt at The Granite House on Fort William High Street. This much-loved local institution is a treasure trove filled with something for everyone – from toys and jewellery to homeware and clothing. You’re sure to find the ideal present for family and friends.
Why not catch the latest movie over the festive season for some chill-out time and don’t forget gift vouchers make a wonderful present for all family and friends. The cafe will be a real hit over the season too - especially the cooks that want a day off!
For the bookworms in your life, head to The Highland Bookshop, where you’ll find a wide selection of books, along with a fantastic range of art supplies, cards, and stocking fillers. It’s the perfect place to browse and discover a thoughtful, personal gift.
For a truly local gift, choose a hand-crafted soy candle from Glenfinnan Candles, or visit The Highland Soap Company, which has expanded its range to include local whiskies, gins, and more, alongside their signature handcrafted soaps. It’s a great spot to pick up a luxurious gift your loved ones will cherish.
For those who appreciate local produce, why not treat someone to a venison charcuterie gift box from Great Glen Charcuterie? Or if a quality tipple is what you’re after, visit The Glen Spean Brewery for a variety of beers brewed just around the corner, or try Knoydart Brewery’s beers, crafted in the UK’s last wilderness. If spirits are more your style, don’t miss Fassfern Highland Gin, Pixel Spirits gins and rum, Nc’nean Distillery’s organic whiskies and gins, or the handcrafted spirits from The Highland Liquor Company.
For pet lovers and gardening enthusiasts, Petstop Fort William, Scotland’s largest independent pet shop, has a great selection of pet-related gifts, as well as a wide range of presents for the green-thumbed folk in your life. And for active types, you’ll find top-quality biking, swimming, and running gear at Off Beat Bikes and Nevis Cycles.
Lochaber Rotary Club’s Christmas Festival
There is a feast of fun to be had at the Lochaber Rotary Club’s Christmas Festival – The Reindeer Parade leaves Cameron Square at 11am and heads down to the Nevis Centre for a whole host of shopping and fun activities for the family. More details can be found on the opposite page and on the Lochaber Rotary website at www.lochaberrotary.org.uk
Shopping local not only supports small businesses, but it also offers a more relaxed and enjoyable shopping experience with friendly, personal service. This Christmas, give gifts that make a difference by shopping locally and supporting your community. Merry Christmas!
Christmas Events, Light Switch ons. Fayres, Markets, Entertainment, etc
Christmas Craft Fair
Caol Community Centre
Saturday 16th November
10am - 4pm
Craft Fayre
Kilmallie Community Centre
Saturday 16th November
11am - 3pm
New Connections Winter
Market
Waverley House, High Street
Friday 29th November
5.30pm - 8pm
Christmas Lights Switch On
Cameron Square, Fort William
Friday 29th November
6pm - 8pm
Reindeer Parade
Cameron Square, Fort William
Saturday 30th November
Parade leaves at 11am
Christmas Craft Fair
Fort Augustus
Community Hall
Saturday 30th November
11.30am - 3.30pm
Lochaber Rotary Craft and Food Fair
The Nevis Centre
Saturday 30th November
9.30am – 4pm
Santa’s Grotto & Bouncy Castle
The Nevis Centre
Saturday 30th November
Bouncy Castle 9.30am – 4pm
Santa’s Grotto 12pm – 4pm
Adult entry £3 (includes raffle)
Children go free
Jingle Bowls Party Packages
including bowling, games
room, music, challenges
and optional food and
drink packages available
throughout December
More info at neviscentre.co.uk/whats-on
Caol Christmas Lights Switch On
Caol Community Centre
Sunday 1st December, 5pm-8pm
Lots of fun, festive, family
entertainment
Christmas Wreath Making Workshop
Ben Nevis Inn
Sunday 1st December
5pm-7pm
£45.00
Get into the festive spirit and
join our Christmas Wreath
Making Workshops, guided
by Clare from Florrie and Fig.
Plantation Community Association Lights Switch On
Plantation Hall
Tuesday 3rd December
6pm
Claggan Lights Switch On
Thursday 5th December
6pm
Christmas Party Night
The Nevis Centre
Friday 6th December
with Cheezy Beats
More info at neviscentre.co.uk/whats-on
Sip & Paint Door Mat and Glass Edition
Roy Bridge Memorial Hall
Friday 6th December 7pm
Byob
£20 per person
Booking essential
Text/Whatsapp 07848 848778
Children’s Christmas Party
Preschool Sensory and Song
Wednesday 11th December
Children’s Party (ages 4 -12)
Friday 13th December
More info at neviscentre.co.uk/whats-on
Nevis Range Santa Grotto
Saturday 14th December
Nevis Mountain Range
9am – 4pm
Glenspean Market, Producers and Crafters
Ben Nevis Auction Mart
Saturday 14th December
10am - 3pm
Showstoppers Pantomime ‘Robin Hood’
Performances between 19th and 21st December
More info at neviscentre.co.uk/whats-on
A Celebration of Life Fundraising Ceilidh
For a community defibrillator
Caol Community Centre
Saturday 28th December
7.30pm - 12.45am
Tickets Adults £15 Children £10
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