Black Isle town of Cromarty sets scene for Christmas shopping trail with plea to support local businesses
A BLACK Isle community is kickstarting its festive season early with an evening shopping trail designed to entice shoppers to check out independent stores.
The Cromarty Christmas Shopping Trail, which runs from 5pm to 8pm this Friday, aims to kick off the festive season with an evening of community spirit and holiday shopping featuring 11 local stores.
It is being touted locally as a chance to support local businesses offering everything from handcrafted items to one-of-a-kind gifts.
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Reflecting on last year’s success, Bärbel Dister from the Cromarty Pottery said: “It was fantastic to see so many people just popping in to have a look around.
“We had folks saying they hadn’t been in for a while, and it was wonderful to see them enjoying the local shops. Events like this remind us all of the offering right on our doorstep.”
Another local business owner, Phoebe Fox from Calluna, emphasized the importance of supporting Cromarty’s small businesses. She said: “Our shops are the heartbeat of Cromarty, creating a vibrant, connected community. When people shop locally, they’re helping to sustain our local economy, local jobs and that unique spirit that makes Cromarty special. We’re grateful for the continued support of the community, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back this year.”
Each participating store will have a stamp card which can be picked up. Each stamp on the card is an entry into a free raffle with a range of prizes donated by the local businesses. The more shops visited, the greater the chance of winning.
By offering shoppers incentives to explore Cromarty’s independent shops, the event aims to highlight the value of shopping locally and keeping the spirit of the season close to home. The participating shops are: Calluna; Cromarty Brewing Company; Cromarty Courthouse Museum; Cromarty Post Office; Cromarty Pottery; Emma Nightingale Glass; Foundling Home (the former Emporium); Gallery48 Cromarty; Hugh Miller’s Birthplace NTS; Ingrid’s House Cromarty and Sonas Cromarty.
The initiative also has its own Facebook page.
