A Scottish Holiday Gift Guide
At The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA, we believe that there is no better recommendation for a gift than an item that you would love to give — or receive — yourself. Our seasonal gift guide includes a selection of Scottish treats, books, and more from some of our favorite companies, artisans, and writers. So, let us help you check off your holiday list. Maybe you will find something you want for yourself too!
Culloden Whisky and Gin Gift Sets
An ancient beech tree, witness to the troops marching to Culloden in 1746, has been skillfully crafted into limited-edition whisky and gin gift sets to help mark the 275th anniversary of the battle. Each gift set comprises a numbered engraved whisky glass and a numbered wooden coaster, specially crafted from the historic tree, all in an attractive presentation box. As well as marking the milestone date, the unique collectables will raise money for Culloden’s Fighting Fund which aims to protect the land surrounding the battlefield from development.
Macallan
Looking for something to pair with your holiday meal? Give a spirited gift this year! You can’t go wrong with a dram of whisky from the master distillers at The Macallan – the official whisky of NTSUSA.
Scottish Gourmet
If you can’t get to Scotland over the holidays, the next best thing is eating like you’re in Scotland! Our friends at Scottish Gourmet curate delicious hampers with all your favorite Scottish treats, from shortbread to Haggis.
Timorous Beasties
Whether you know someone who just moved to a new home or loves to redecorate, a whimsical cushion or lampshade from Timorous Beasties is sure to spark conversation.
Prickly Thistle
For a modern and fresh gift yet honors tradition, look no further than Prickly Thistle for cozy tartan clothing, blankets, and more. Even better, they offer beautiful gift boxes and wrapping services for a truly stress-free gift.
Hamilton & Inches
From fine jewelry to sparkling silver homewares, a gift from Hamilton & Inches, Silversmiths, and Clock Specialists to her Majesty the Queen will become an instant treasured heirloom.
Walker Slater
For those who love Scotland’s iconic Harris Tweed, Walker Slater has you covered – from classic tailored pieces and Sporran bags to contemporary knits and accessories.
Kitty Mackenzie
Nothing is more luxurious or cozy than Scottish cashmere. We love the scarves from Kitty Mackenzie, which pay homage to the maker’s movement with cashmere and wool sourced directly from the best mills and weavers throughout Scotland. For even more quality Scottish homeware and accessories, check out Kitty Mackenzie’s sister company, The Scottish Textiles Showcase.
Whether you know a student headed to study abroad in Scotland, someone eager to travel to their favorite places, or you want to share your love of Scotland with someone else, why not give the gift of membership? Place your order by December 16 for delivery by Christmas!
Great Reads by Great Scots
Book Week Scotland, an annual celebration of all things literary, kicked off its 10th anniversary in November with help from award-winning Scottish crime author and NTSUSA’s 2020 Great Scot honoree Denise Mina.
The celebration will continue into 2022, which has been designated as Scotland’s Year of Stories – and what better way is there to usher in the New Year than curling up with a book written by one of NTSUSA’s Great Scot honorees or a book that transports you to one of the Trust’s magnificent properties?
For the adventurers: Mark Beaumont’s The Man Who Cycled the World
For the nature lovers: Ken Burns’s The National Parks: America’s Best Idea
For the comedians: Billy Connolly’s Windswept & Interesting: My Autobiography (available Jan. 2022)
For the theatre-enthusiasts: Brian Cox’s Putting the Rabbit in the Hat (available Jan. 2022)
For the little ones: Alan Cumming’s The Adventures of Honey & Leon
For a trip back in time: Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander Series.
For a trip through the Highlands (from Glencoe to Culloden): Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish’s Clanlands
For the true-crime fanatics: Denise Mina’s Rizzio
For the fans of the beloved No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency Series: Alexander McCall Smith’s The Joy and Light Bus Company