Shopping in Scotland

Shopping is an international pursuit. To some it's a sport - the pursuit of a bargain or an exclusive item, which gets the heart pulsing, and then the satisfaction of a discovery, which brings a sense of euphoria and fulfilment.

To others it's the joy of discovering a hidden store, a new shop or even just the delight at finding new brands and goods unique to Scotland or the area you are visiting. Shops in the major cities are generally open Mondays to Saturdays 9.00am until 5.30pm/6.00pm. There is late night shopping in most cities on Thursdays until 8.00pm. A number of city stores are also open on Sundays especially in the summer.

In Edinburgh the key shops are to be found in Princes Street, which lies between Frasers in the west, and Jenners, which first opened in 1830 in the east. You will find designer labels in both of these stores. With the castle rising majestically behind Princes Street Gardens it is a grand place to shop-even if you do not find what you are looking for.

Nearby George Street has a number of boutique stores. Of particular interest is Hamilton and Inches, Scotland's leading jewellery and fine goods store. The Company is a warrant holder to HM The Queen. At the end of George Street, in Europe's finest Georgian Square you will find The National Trust for Scotland and their shop for gifts and products related to their properties.

There are several shops on The Royal Mile, which stretches from Edinburgh Castle to The Palace of Holyrood House. There is also a wide range of interesting shops in Victoria Street, which runs into The Grassmarket, and St Stephen Street, which is in Stockbridge. Here you will find Edinburgh's best antique shops.

In Leith, Kinloch Anderson have been known and respected for well over a century in Scotland's Capital City, as makers and retailers of fine clothing and Highland Dress. You can browse through an interesting display of tartan.

At Bruar, on the A9, ten miles north of Pitlochry, you will find The House of Bruar, the home of country clothing. Here you can wander around a huge range of clothing, cashmere, cloth, china, glass, and gifts for every occasion.

Glasgow is fast becoming a favourite shopping location and has the reputation of being Scotland's most fashion conscious city.

In Buchanan Street you will find a wide range of shops as well as some interesting shopping centres such as the Buchanan Galleries and Princes Square. The Italian Centre in The Merchant City has a number of designer boutiques. The Argyll Arcade is a covered street that houses the largest collection of jewellers in Scotland. Lovers of silver will find much to interest them here. Antiques in Glasgow are easily found in West Regent Street.

In both Edinburgh and Glasgow you will find some outstanding food shops. In the capital, Valvona and Crolla is world famous and needs no further introduction. Connoisseurs of cheese will want to visit Ian Mellis, the UK's top cheesemonger in Bruntsfield. In Glasgow, foodies go to Fratelli Sarti, the highly reputed delicatessen. For the best bottled water, try Highland Spring natural mineral water, which is available from all major outlets.

Off the beaten track, you will find craft shops in nearly every town and village. These shops include potteries, silversmiths, Scottish crafts and antiquarian books.

Within the Connoisseurs Scotland hotels you will find a range of souvenirs and clothing. At The Gleneagles Hotel you will find a number of shops selling gifts from all the activities at Gleneagles including Golf Clothing, Golf Accessories, Off-road books, Shooting School clothing and accessories, Equestrian clothing, Falconry clothing, Hipflasks, Mugs, Pens, Books and much more. In the Golf Pro Shop you will find a wide range of clubs, clothing and golf equipment. In the Arcade you will find Mappin and Webb, Alfred Dunhill, Escada, Edinburgh crystal, Harvey Nichols, N Peal for fine cashmere and The Stillroom for your whisky of your choice. Many of the articles are available on-line.

At The Turnberry Resort you will find two shops - Frivolity that sells clothing and gifts, and Essentials for those items that you forgot to pack. The Golf Pro shop has a wide range of golfing equipment.

In St Andrews, the streets of the ancient university town are dotted with charming gift shops, boutiques, galleries and cafés. Most of the guests at Old Course Hotel wander up to the town at some point during their stay. Once they have exhausted all the shopping possibilities at the hotel itself! The hotel has a number of quality shops:

• Pro Shop has leading brand names in golfware, equipment and accessories.
• Spa Shop has the latest in leisurewear, as well as beauty and treatment products.
• Old Course Jewellers & Gift Shop stocks some of the finest jewellery in Scotland, as well as a host of gift ideas.
• Golfino has an exciting European range, specialising in ladies contemporary golf and leisurewear.

At Inverlochy Castle you will find a small range of fine silver and souvenirs for sale in the hotel.

At Crinan Hotel you will find a wide range of paintings by Frances Macdonald for sale. On The Royal Scotsman train and MV The Hebridean Princess you will be able to purchase a wide range of souvenirs that will be everlasting reminders of your visit to Scotland.