Shopkeepers
From the avenues and hidden streets of the largest cities to petite hideaways in every corner of the countryside, Scotland has always nurtured the independent shop.
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Treasure troves can be found from Highland to Lowland, promising a unique experience that chain shops just can’t replicate. Whether you’re looking for homeware made with sheep wool from a nearby farm or want to indulge in hand-brewed beers, each of the thousands of shops that call Scotland home is run by thoughtful, local businesspeople.
What’s more, you can feel good when you shop with them. Not only are you supporting both the national and local economies of each area you visit, but visiting these shops provides a unique, local experience that you wouldn’t get anywhere else. Whether you’ve travelled to the farthest stretches on the island or are wandering the streets of the capital, chatting with independent shopkeepers and locals gives you a unique insight into the area you’re visiting. Plus, it’s a great way to pick up handy tips, tricks and advice about travelling – where to visit, what to see, where to stay and so much more. No one knows their local area quite like the people who help keep them running: the shopkeepers.
Òr Shop
Location: Isle of Skye
Shop type: Art and craft
Website: orshopskye.com
The name of this pair of Portree stores translates as ‘gold’, which neatly sums up their classy appeal. Found on Wentworth Street and The Green, they stock a neatly curated range of contemporary Scottish jewellery, art and crafts. Founder Jennifer Pearson, along with her team, work closely with independent artists and designers to ensure authenticity and a sense of connection between artist and buyer.
Meander
Location: Edinburgh
Shop type: Sustainable & technical clothing
Website: meanderapparel.com
Creating sustainable clothing, Meander Apparel designs pieces to help you experience everyday adventures. Found on George Street, their Edinburgh shop stocks a wide variety of their top products – 90% of which are made with natural materials or recycled ones. By the end of 2022, they aim for it to be 100%. They also contribute to several local charities and are members of the 1% For The Planet organisation.
Mr Ben
Location: Glasgow
Shop type: Vintage clothing
Website: mrbenretroclothing.com
One of the longest-running retro clothing stores in Scotland, Mr Ben is your Glasgow spot for unique pieces and accessories. Established in the 1990s in the Virginia Galleries in the city centre, this emporium of vintage clothes spans decades – meaning you’ll always find something that’s perfect for you.
Park Shop
Location: Aberdeenshire
Shop type: Artisan Deli
Instagram: @park.shop.park
This popular deli-cum-café knows the things that matter in life – good coffee, good pies, good cakes – and does them well. The deli selection, too, is small but strong. It’s based in Drumoak, just outside Banchory.
Style Your Spaces
Location: Edinburgh
Shop type: Unique homeware
Website: styleyourspaces.co.uk
Style Your Spaces is home to a carefully curated collection of independent brands, makers and in-house designs, which include ceramics, candles, glassware, table linens and more. SYS also offers a series of in-shop events each season, including art exhibitions, drawing masterclasses, flower arranging workshops and more.
The Mainstreet Trading Company
Location: Scottish Borders
Shop type: Bookshop, Cafe & Deli
Website: mainstreetbooks.co.uk
A bookshop, café, deli and homeware shop in the Scottish Borders town of Melrose, Mainstreet Trading is an award-winning, independent spot for more than just books. Whether you’re a bookworm searching for a read, a foodie looking for the best of Scottish produce, or just someone looking for something unique – they’ve got you covered.
Land O’Spex
Location: Dundee
Shop type: Eyewear
Website: https://landospex.com/
Dundee’s premier location for frames and lenses, Spex Pistols is a fully independent boutique specialising in unique glasses and merchandise. Whether you’re a fan of designer frames or want something totally original, you can browse their collection at their home on Johnston’s Lane, which claims to be Dundee’s smallest street.
Stirling Bagpipes
Location: Stirling
Shop type: Traditional Bagpipes
Website: stirlingbagpipes.com
Producing traditional Scottish bagpipes in the historic city of Stirling, Stirling Bagpipes has both a retail outlet and workshop in-store. All of their bagpipes are hand-crafted and can be made bespoke to fit your needs. They also operate a repair service and can source additional parts for instruments, as well as carry a range of antique pipes for purchase.
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Newhall Mains
Newhall Mains on the Black Isle offers cottages and suites in restored farm buildings, plus a restaurant and bar. It is well placed for Cromarty, Fortrose and Chanonry Point, with beaches and coastal walks close by.
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