Now's the time to stock up on cards and presents. Here's a thought...pick some cards off the Christmas card page, choose some lovely framed collages to go with them and then after paying, use the Contact Us form to give us instructions about what to write in the cards and where to send each card and picture. This is a great way to simplify your shopping and it is especially useful if you're abroad and wanting to send gifts to your loved ones here in the UK. (I have experienced the joys of Christmas shopping whilst living abroad and I would have appreciated this service if it had been available back in the Dark Ages! It used to be a very hit and miss business ordering by mail order).

On the other hand, not everybody wants to order and pay on the internet. We understand that and this year, in addition to all the stockists in the Highlands and Islands where you can find our cards, we are busy attending Christmas Fairs in the North of Scotland, for those of you who are lucky enough to be doing your shopping up here. In late November you will find us at these places:

Upstairs at the Bishop's Palace, Eden Court Theatre, Inverness from 4pm to 8pm on Friday 20th and from 10.00am to 5.00pm on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd November.

Brodie Castle Victorian Fair near Nairn on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th November, from 10.00 am to 4pm. This event is in a National Trust property and promises to be a wonderfully festive occasion, with carol singing, roast chestnuts and other refreshments. (For more information, click on the link at the start of this paragraph).

There is a raffle in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care at both events. Details of December events in Inverness and Ullapool to follow.