Guide to shops in Ullapool

Tucked away on the shores of glittering Loch Broom in northwest Scotland, Ullapool is a characterful little fishing village offering lots of things to do. It’s one of the largest settlements for miles, and as such, is a hub for visitors and one of the best places to stay on the west coast of Scotland.

It’s a starting point for those heading to Stornaway on the ferry, and is also within easy reach of Inverness, which lies 58 miles to the southeast. With wonderful scenic walks, spectacular beaches and lots of activities to enjoy in the vicinity, shopping might not be high up on your list of priorities, but it’s worth taking some time to browse the shops in Ullapool.

‘What shops are in Ullapool?’, you may ask. Well, an array of interesting Ullapool shops await your perusal, where you can pick up everything from groceries for your self-catering stay to unique mementoes of your travels. Why not enjoy a wander around the village, stopping for a bite to eat in one of the tempting eateries, and picking out some lovely bits and pieces from the following shops in Ullapool, Scotland? We have written some other blogs about Ullapool including the best places to eat.

Ullapool cottages

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Art galleries in Ullapool

Soak up some culture while indulging in a spot of retail therapy; Ullapool's art galleries feature paintings, crafts and pottery by local artisans. What could make a better souvenir than something made right in the village?

Ceard

Step into this fabulous little shop in Ullapool and you’re in for a treat! A wide array of art and artisan crafts made by local artists is on display, with many pieces of affordable art, making the perfect souvenir for your holiday. Let your eyes linger over the beautiful pottery, jewellery, knitwear and paintings – the only trouble you’ll have is deciding what to buy.

Highland Stoneware

The gorgeous textures and colours of each handmade piece of pottery in this well-loved Ullapool shop are a feast for the senses. Reflecting the stunning scenery of the area, each hand-painted product from Highland Stoneware is lovingly created to be a lasting memory of your time in Scotland. Whether you return home with a decorative plate or a new tea set, you can be assured it’ll be a one-of-a-kind piece.

Gift Shops in Ullapool

Looking for something to gift someone special back home? Ullapool's wonderful selection of gift shops have you covered. From sweet-smelling candles to thoughtful, locally made garments, there's something to suit all tastes.

Image copyright The Captain's Cabin

The Captain’s Cabin

Right at the heart of the village, you’ll find this welcoming little nook, where you can while away many a minute scouting out that perfect gift for a loved one (or a little treat for yourself). The shelves of the Captain’s Cabin, formerly a fishing store and salt warehouse, are brimming with unique and unusual delights sourced from local craftspeople and makers. You’ll find soap, jewellery, pottery, knitwear, crafts and toys, as well as some treats of the edible variety.

Artworks

This family-run shop in Ullapool is packed with quirky items – a treasure trove curated by a mother-and-daughter team with an eye for special pieces for special people. Have a browse and find something lovely to take home, whether it’s a handbag that perfectly matches your outfit, or a sweet-smelling soap to conjure memories of your time in this delightful corner of Scotland.

Made in Ullapool

Selling handmade candles and crafts, Made in Ullapool was set up in 2010 to support vulnerable adults within the workplace. Their fabulous range of candles come in all shapes and scents, and the lovely staff and volunteers will help you find your perfect match.

Images copyright Ceol na Mara

Ceol na Mara

Ceol na Mara, or Music of the Sea, is a quirky Ullapool shop, filled with an eclectic mix of curated stock. Pick up a tipple in the form of a quality gin or find yourself a nice warm hat to combat the fresh Scottish weather. Browse the beautiful glassware and artisan products or sniff out your favourite scented candle to take home.

Clothes Shops in Ullapool

Restock your wardrobe with outdoor gear, gorgeous woollens and maybe something a little fancy! Ullapool's clothes shops offer a range of options for all occasions.

Ullapool Outdoors

Ullapool is a great jumping-off point for adventures in the Highlands, but you wouldn’t want to be heading out ill-equipped. Cue Ullapool Outdoors, your one-stop shop for active wear of all kinds. Raincoats, waterproof trousers, backpacks and even wetsuits – whatever you’re looking for to complete your kit, you’ll find it in this Aladdin’s cave for outdoor adventurers.

West Highland Woollen Company

Whether you’re visiting Scotland in the winter or the summer, there’s sure to be some point at which you could do with a lovely woollen jumper or a snuggly fleece. For all your woollen wants, head for West Highland Woollen Company, where you’ll find a warm welcome (no pun intended) and a plentiful supply of cosy garments to supplement your holiday wardrobe. Perhaps you’re looking for a traditional tweed jacket? Or maybe you’re on the hunt for a comfortable pair of gloves? You’re sure to find what you need at the West Highland Woollen Company (part of The Edinburgh Woollen Mill).

Unlimited Colour Company

Splash a little colour into your life by paying a visit to Unlimited Colour Company. From the moment you step in the door, you’ll be dazzled by the riotous colours emanating from the sustainable and ethically produced Scottish goods. Pick up the children in your life something bright to make their day, or dress yourself from top to toe in cheerful tones and comfortable fabrics. Ladies’ hats, scarves, tops, dresses – you name it, they sell it, in a painter’s palette of joyful colour.

Food and drink shops in Ullapool

If your stomach is rumbling and your mouth watering, satiate your hunger with a visit to one of the following Ullapool shops. Stock up on essentials in the supermarket, or head for the specialist shops for a true flavour of Scotland.

Tesco Superstore

One of the giants in the UK’s grocery market has established a base for itself in the village of Ullapool. The large Tesco store serves the community and its visitors with food and drink, and much more besides. There’s an in-store bakery, an ATM and a post office – handy for sending out your holiday postcards. In the car park, you’ll also find an EV charging point.

West Coast Delicatessen

Pick up all the mouthwatering supplies you need for a picky tea from West Coast Delicatessen, and savour the flavours of the local area. With delicious farmhouse cheeses, a feast of cold meats and tasty freshly baked bread, not to mention a delectable selection of cakes and pies, you won’t be left wanting. It’s one of the best shops in Ullapool if you’re on the hunt for truly Scottish produce.

Image copyright The Highland Liquor Company

Highland Liquor Company

The ‘creators of exceptional handmade spirits’, the Highland Liquor Company imbues its gin with locally inspired and traditional botanicals, following a process of infusion, distillation and maturation. They make several different gins and sell them in their Ullapool store, so why not have a taste and decide on your favourite to take home a flavour of Ullapool?

Other shops in Ullapool

An eclectic mix of shops is on offer in Ullapool – here are a few that don't fit into the categories above, but which are good to know about when you're visiting.

Image copyright Ullapool Bookshop

Ullapool Bookshop

Book lovers are in for a treat in the charming Ullapool Bookshop. Peruse the shelves packed with books of all genres and have a leaf through the other products they stock, including maps, cards, art materials and pictures. Readers are sure to find something to pique their interest, with everything from local information books to new novels to choose from. The bookshop, along with Captain’s Cabin and Lochbroom Hardware, is a family-run business, now in its third generation. Late opening hours mean you can squeeze in a visit after a day out to pick up your evening read.

Lochbroom Hardware

Discover all sorts of useful bits and bobs on the shelves of Lochbroom Hardware. It’s a traditional hardware shop, housed in part of one of the oldest buildings in Ullapool. Amongst the treasures for sale here are electrical goods, tools, binoculars and toys – there are even items you never knew you needed.

The New Broom

The New Broom is Ullapool Community Trust’s shop, selling an array of pre-loved items at bargain prices. Pop in for a browse and leave half an hour later with a bag full of eclectic products, ranging from clothes to crockery. Sales from the shop go towards supporting community projects in the Lochbroom and Ullapool area.

Boots Pharmacy

Pick up plasters, antihistamines, paracetamol, suncream and all the holiday essentials you wish you didn’t have to buy at Boots Pharmacy, handily located just across from the ferry terminal on the seafront. The in-store pharmacy dispenses prescriptions, and the shop is stocked with everything you’d expect from the well-known national chain.

Map of shops in Ullapool

Find the above shops in Ullapool, Scotland on our handy map below.

Stay nearby

With Ullapool being a gateway to the Highlands, it makes a great base for your Scotland holiday. Cosy up in one of our Ullapool holiday cottages to recharge your batteries for days of adventure. And with so many shops and eateries to discover in the village, it won’t be far to go to pick up all your holiday necessities and souvenirs.

Ullapool cottages