“Wool, Weaving & Whisky: A Journey through Speyside”
(For creative visitors, textile enthusiasts, and those who love Scottish heritage crafts)
Speyside is world-famous for its whisky, but there’s another side to this Highland region that’s rich with tradition, texture, and colour — its crafting and textile heritage. From wool mills and pottery studios to hands-on workshops, Speyside offers a chance to connect with Scotland’s creative soul.
Based at Fraoch Lodge in Boat of Garten, you can easily explore the area’s most inspiring makers while enjoying our comfortable hospitality and hearty Highland cooking.
Knockando Woolmill
Tucked away near the River Spey, this working mill has been spinning and weaving since 1784. Watch the process from fleece to finished cloth, powered by a waterwheel that still turns today. The shop and café make this a perfect stop for a morning’s exploration — and a slice of cake with history woven in.
Tip: Pick up one of their beautiful wool throws or scarves — made entirely on-site.
Flock and Saunter (formerly Three Bags Wool), Aberlour
A haven for anyone who knits, spins, weaves, or felts. Sarah Nairn-Anderson’s shop offers beautiful hand-dyed yarns, unique tweed accessories, and workshops where you can learn to felt, weave, or even make your own rug in a day.
Guests at Fraoch Lodge can combine accommodation with Sarah’s workshops — a creative Highland retreat with a personal touch.
Johnston’s of Elgin
.If you’re in the Elgin area as part of your Moray explorations, and you like textiles, a visit to Johnston’s of Elgin is not to be missed. Apart from anything else, the cafe is pretty good, but on top of that they do a selection of tours which vary in price and immersion in the mill. The standard tour is certainly good enough to get an impression of the operation – but if you’re keen on learning more about weaving it could well be worth upgrading.
The mill also sells offcuts – useful for crafting and they have a homewares department. There are sometimes small amounts of yarn available too. (If you’re here in November, check out the annual sale – a big local event!). I’m a big fan – you might be able to tell.
Spey Bank Studio
The Studio was set up by Angus Grant, a well-known local artist in his own right and also a teacher of art at Grantown Grammar School. Angus is a fine potter as well as being an artist. He offers pottery courses while also selling fabulous collections from the gallery.
It’s well worth a stop in Grantown to pick up something unique for your friends and family at home. Not only can you shop in the Studio (which used to be a bank), but you can also visit any one of the unique stores on the high street, some of which specialise in local artisans.
Aberlour for Food & Finds
Aberlour is a treasure trove for foodies and shoppers alike — from Scottish cheeses at the local deli (fantastic cheese counter and yummy fresh ice cream) to Walkers Shortbread’s shop and factory and lovely local boutiques selling tweed handbags and clan-themed gifts.
The Walkers shop in town sells the posh tins of shortbread, some of which you can also get from the factory shop, but the best thing about the factory shop is that they sell bags of seconds! Unfortunately for hygiene reasons the factory doesn’t offer tours.
Stay & Craft
Fraoch Lodge provides the perfect base to rest and refuel between creative adventures — and we can help plan your itinerary or even link you directly with local artisans for workshops or private tours. We also offer our own Knitting Retreats through our sister company, Scot Mountain Holidays and our partnership with Learn and Create.
