Our team is making the commitment this year to shop local and to help you do so too here are some of our favourite indy businesses:

Marion - I'll be shopping at MoreFineFoods in Moray this Christmas because I've already used them a number of times and love the thought, preparation and quality of the grazing boxes they offer.  A boxful of delicious, luxury snacks makes the perfect Christmas present - ideal for cosy winter evenings in.

Abigail - Cartocon is an independent and forward thinking menswear clothing store in Dundee. The staff are always so friendly and helpful and they stock the coolest brands, from KESTIN to FOLK. I can guarantee I'll find the perfect present for my fiancé this Christmas and if I can't decide, they offer gift vouchers too.  For those who can't visit in person, their online store is stocked with everything from hats to hoodies, backpacks and books. They also offer a price match guarantee so it definitely pays to shop local.

Jennifer - My favourite local shop in Edinburgh is Toppings, a beautiful independent book store that even provides you with tea and coffee should you want to huddle up in the corner with a book. My go to local shop in Speyside is Pencil Me In, perfect for Christmas presents for friends and family from the queen of stationery Sarah Holmes.

Alison -  I’m obsessed with the cosy blankets from The Tartan Blanket Co, which will keep me warm this winter. They also do beautiful gift boxes suitable for every member of the family, packed with a blanket (of course) and other thoughtful inclusions like candles and books.

Patrick - Draw! Is an indy art supplies and stationery store in Glasgow’s de Courcy's Arcade . Think specialist treats and objets for the creative in your life: perfect pens, luxurious bottled inks, fine papers and quirky desk and office tools.

Kathryn -  Flux in Leith is the ultimate Christmas shop, with books, homewares and other quirky gifts. I’ve also bought prints from Lewis-based artist Lorna Scanlan Art, who does really cool illustrations, to give to my friends.

Toni-Lee - Alluring Boutique in Elgin is a family run business, which not only offers luxury fashion and accessories, but they are a must visit for gorgeous lifestyle bits too. Think candles, bath oils, slippers and trusty Chilly’s bottles! They also have a website for those not in Speyside.

Rachel - I’ll be shopping at The Wee Beer Shop in Glasgow this year. It’s a family-run shop which specialises in cans and bottles from independent breweries in Scotland and across Europe. I think some imperial stouts and pastry sours might find their way into my basket as a Christmas treat. And if you don’t live nearby, they’re also now delivering across the country.

Róise - You’ll find me at Logie Steading near Forres. It's so lovely and there's gardens you can walk around too. It's very festive, and has an old book store, cafe, painting shop (all in the old stables) so it's a great place to pick-up multiple presents.

So there we have it, an array of local businesses from across Scotland who we’ll be supporting this December. Hopefully we’ve provided you with some inspiration on what to get for those difficult-to-buy-for friends and family. Wherever you are in the country, we encourage you to stay safe and shop local this Christmas.