ON THE A9 FROM THE SOUTH
SERVICES
Fuel is readily available at Perth, Ballinluig, Pitlochry, Aviemore, Grantown, Inverness and Nairn.
Coffee, tea (and much, much more) is available in the many towns and villages alongside the main road such as Dunkeld and Birnam; Pitlochry; Blair Atholl; Dalwhinnie; Newtonmore; Kingussie; Aviemore; Carrbridge and Grantown.
But here are some sites within a few yards of the road itself, in addition to the main towns and villages, that are worth a visit for food and retail therapy:
Bankfoot: The Perthshire Visitor Centre, at Bankfoot PH1 4EB, is just north of Perth on the A9. An award winning welcome awaits you in their newly refurbished restaurant. For details of location and opening times please refer to their website. For buses prior booking is essential on 01738 787696
Ballinluig: The Truck-stop
The House of Bruar north of Blair Atholl has a very wide selection of retail offerings as well as a café and food shops.
Ralia, by Newtonmore. If you are a big party or a bus please ring ahead on 01540 670066; they have told Piping Hot Forres that they can then make sure the kettle is on.
Coaches should book ahead for any of these locations. We have been advised that, in Aviemore, the Aviemore Highland Resort (tel no.01479 815100) can accommodate a large number of coaches and there is a further lorry park near the police station that could cater for another 10+ coaches.
In Inverness McDonalds, on the High Street, is open from 06.00 for breakfast and stays open on Friday and Saturdays until 03.00.
ON THE A96 WEST OF FORRES
SERVICES
Fuel is available in Inverness, Nairn and Forres.
Brodie Countryfare, situated on the A96 3 miles west of Forres, offers a large family restaurant serving anything from full meals to tea, coffee, home bakes and snacks, all day (9.30am-4.30pm for food, Sunday opening from 10.00am). There is also a wide variety of retail departments including men’s and ladies’ clothing, gifts & interiors, a food hall and a delicatessen. Coaches are requested to please book ahead on 01309 641555.
ON THE A96 EAST OF FORRES
SERVICES
Fuel is readily available in Aberdeen, Huntly, Keith and Elgin.
Coffee, tea (and much, much more) is available in the towns and villages alongside the main road such as Huntly, Keith and Elgin
But here are some sites within a few yards of the road itself, in addition to the main towns, that are worth a visit for food and retail therapy:
Fochabers: The Baxters Highland Village offers a variety of restaurants and speciality shops, stocked with a wide range of Baxters and Audrey Baxter food products, as well as speciality foods, clothing, cookware and gifts.
Huntly: Deans are famed for their shortbread and biscuit range. You can spend time in the factory viewing gallery, or visit the light and airy café and bistro which combines a spacious downstairs eating area and relaxing upstairs gallery with comfortable sofas. Whether you want a snack, home bake or hot meal there is a great menu to tempt you.
In Elgin McDonalds, in Linkwood Place, is open 24 hours, and breakfast is available from 06.00.
Coaches should book ahead for any of these locations.
Coming from the west coast
In Fort William McDonalds in An Aird is open from 07.00 for breakfast and stays open until 23.00 for a late supper.