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Being a vegan traveller
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    • Inverness and the Highlands

     

    I lived here for over two years and worked in an excellent vegan/veggie restaurant. But before you get too excited it sadly closed down. I have also spent a considerable amount of time over on the North West coast of Scotland and while vegan-friendly shops are limited there are still a few tucked away

    INVERNESS

    FOOD SHOPS

      Highland Wholefoods, Harbour Road - Its like a vegan cash and carry. Also has a shop added on where you can buy dried, tinned and chilled foods as well as a range of vegan toiletries, aromatherapy oils and incense sticks.
      The Health Shop, 20 Baron Taylor Street - Loads of dried pulses, fruits, nuts , seeds thai and chinese ingredients, chocolate and a good selection of chilled foods (including smoked Taifun tofu with almonds and sesame seeds...possibly the best tofu in the world!)
      Basil Deli, 17 Kingsmill Road - Right near to where I used to live this little deli is divine! It sells fresh breads including ciabatta and includes a selection of marinated foods to put into your fresh bread. Choose from many different marinated olives, sun dried tomatoes and the best marinated artichokes ever! They also sell dried pastas and sauces and Booja Booja truffles.

    RESTAURANTS

    To be honest I never ate out in Inverness except in the restaurant where I worked so I can’t recommend anywhere myself. However, the Higland Veggies and Vegans have a list of a few suitable places.

    The Highlands

    DINGWALL

    There is a little health food shop on the main pedestrianised shopping strip but the business was up for sale so I am unsure as to whether it is still open. There is a great little shop called Envy which sells aromatherapy oils by lothian Herbs. Also In the town is a fantastic clothes shop.Branded sells Bench, Hooch etc. Most of these clothes are leather, silk and wool free and no fur in sight. The staff are so friendly and I often end up staying for a chat. There is also an excellent shoe shop with many non leather shoes. Very funky footwear.

    Outside of Dingwall and on the Black Isle is a wonderful herb garden. Set inside a stunning walled garden Poyntzfield Herb Nursery is the place to buy herbs of any kind. They specialise in herbs for medicinal and homeopathic remedies and everything is grown using organic and biodynamic principles. Check out their website to find a map.

    Ullapool

    Essentially a village it it vibrant during the summer months but don’t expect much during winter months as many places are closed. Click here to find out more about ferries to the Islands and other sightseeing expeditions. The best street is West Argyle Street. Along here there is a camping shop (which even sells non leather walking boots and shoes), John Maclean bakers and health food shop and The Ceilidh Place which offers discounts to Vegan Society members.

    Lochinver

    A very remote fishing village but don’t let that put you off. It is home to the beautiful Highland Stoneware Pottery and near to a few of the Munros and some Corbetts so if you enjoy hill walking this is the area to be. For vegan hiking boots and other information on hiking click Camping.

    Don’t be decieved by the small Spar shop in Lochinver as it supplies many vegan products. I have found vegan pasties, Ecover products, soya milk, fairtrade teas and coffees, thai and chinese ingredients as well as chocolates, crisps and assorted organic foods. You won’t find fruit and vegetables here though. Unfortunately the butchers next door acts as the greengrocer too. There is a limited selection up at the Mace though