Brora, on Sutherland's east coast, has a population of around 1,200 — and a 19th-century claim to fame that still surprises people: it was the first place in the north of Scotland to have electricity.
Wool, power, and a nickname
Brora's woollen mill, built in 1874 as the Duke of Sutherland's Engineering Works before becoming a tweed mill, was successful enough to generate its own electricity supply — making Brora the first settlement in the north of Scotland to be lit this way. Locals nicknamed the town "Electric City" as a result. The mill's chimney, erected in 1931 with a time capsule placed in its foundations, is still a local landmark.
A distillery and a quarry
Brora's other long-running industry is whisky: the Sutherland estate founded a distillery here in 1819, reportedly to give smaller tenants a dependable market for their grain, and its listed Victorian pagoda-roofed kiln still stands. Stone from the nearby Clynelish quarry has gone into buildings as far away as London Bridge and Liverpool Cathedral.
Sweets still arrive the same way as everywhere else
Brora's history is built on wool, whisky and quarried stone, not confectionery — so pick 'n' mix, bulk bags and trade cases for the town come by delivery, the same as the rest of Sutherland and the Highlands.
25,000+ customers, and counting
We've served over 25,000 customers UK-wide, Brora and the rest of Sutherland included, with most orders dispatched within 1-2 business days. The range covers pick 'n' mix by the bag and tub, bulk bags from 1kg to 3kg, trade cases for events and businesses, vegan and halal-friendly sweets, retro favourites, and full chocolate ranges from the major brands.
Frequently asked questions
Do you deliver sweets to Brora?
Yes — the same as the rest of the UK, with most orders dispatched in 1-2 business days.
Why was Brora nicknamed the 'Electric City'?
Its woollen mill generated its own electricity supply, making Brora the first place in the north of Scotland to have it.
Can I buy bulk or wholesale sweets in Brora?
Not locally — we deliver bulk bags, multipacks and trade cases direct to Brora addresses.
Browse Pick 'n' Mix and Bulk Bags.