Shopping Guide in Edinburgh

Shopping in Edinburgh

What to Buy:

• Cashmere & Wool: Scottish cashmere is world-renowned. Visit Johnstons of Elgin on Princes Street or Edinburgh Woollen Mill for authentic quality. Prices range from £50 for scarves to £300+ for sweaters.
• Tartan & Kilts: Clan tartans available at specialist shops like Geoffrey (Tailor) Kiltmakers on High Street. Full kilt outfits expensive (£500+) but tartan scarves, ties, and accessories more affordable (£20-50).
• Whisky: Cadenhead's Whisky Shop (Canongate) offers rare single casks. The Whisky Shop (Princes Street) has extensive selection with expert advice. Miniatures make perfect gifts (£5-10). Full bottles £25-£200+.
• Shortbread & Food: Shortbread House of Edinburgh creates gourmet versions of Scottish classic. Cranachan & Crowdie (Grassmarket) offers artisan Scottish foods. Haggis, tablet (Scottish fudge), and oatcakes make authentic gifts.
• Jewelry: Scottish Ortak jewelry features Celtic designs in silver. Sheila Fleet creates contemporary Scottish-inspired pieces. Edinburgh Castle gift shop sells replica Crown Jewels pieces.
• Books: Edinburgh's literary heritage means excellent bookshops. Blackwell's on South Bridge is enormous. Armchair Books (West Port) specializes in used/rare books.

Shopping Districts:

Princes Street: Main shopping street with department stores (Jenners Building now House of Fraser) and high-street chains (M&S, H&M, Zara). St James Quarter (opened 2021) is Edinburgh's newest luxury shopping center.

George Street: Upscale boutiques, designer brands, and flagship stores in elegant Georgian buildings. Harvey Nichols anchors the west end. Mix of international luxury and Scottish specialists.

Victoria Street & Grassmarket: Independent boutiques, vintage shops, and specialist stores. Mr Wood's Fossils, Fabhatrix (unusual hats), and numerous gift shops. Most photogenic shopping area.

Royal Mile: Tourist-oriented shops selling tartans, whisky, and souvenirs. Quality varies – seek established names. Edinburgh Old Town Weaving Company demonstrates traditional weaving.

Stockbridge: Independent boutiques, antique shops on St Stephen Street, artisan goods, and design studios. Sunday market features local crafts, food, and vintage items.

Bargaining: Not customary in Scotland. Prices are fixed in shops, though markets may offer slight flexibility. Sales periods: January and July offer significant discounts (up to 50-70% off).

VAT Refund: Non-EU visitors can reclaim 20% VAT on purchases over £50 from participating retailers. Request tax-free forms, keep receipts, and validate at airport before departure.