Gay Edinburgh & Glasgow
Shopping
Edinburgh and Glasgow have a plethora of classy goodies and souvenirs that will surely fill that empty space you left in your luggage, you won't have a problem carrying cases brimming with Scotch whisky, hand-knit wool sweaters, tartan blankets or highland kilts.
If exclusive designer wear is more what you have in mind, fear not - Scotland has plenty of boutiques to fit the bill. Edinburgh's Corniche and Cruise are consistently voted by readers of the local List magazine as the best clothing shops north of the English border. And that's not forgetting Jenners - the world's oldest independent department store. It's often dubbed the Harrods of Scotland. The food halls are a fantastic place to pick up incredible Scottish edibles.
Of course, if you prefer hunting for your purchases, then you'll love Glasgow's Barras market where it's definitely worth trying out your shopping skills. Over 1000 traders pack themselves and their wares into a vast warehouse-like space every weekend to the delight of bargain sleuths nationwide.
Insider Info
Don't believe everything you see in the movies, the modern-day kilt is both a serious fashion statement and a proud icon of Scotland. If you are thinking of purchasing one to add to your closet, be warned that a good model can set you back about £200 - and that's only if you go ready-to-wear.
Bespoke models will cost a lot more. Kilts aren't limited to classic tartan looks. Contemporary designers offer models in fabrics ranging from army fatigue prints to all-black minimalism. Depending on what you're looking for, you’re sure to find the perfect addition to your wardrobe.
Glasgow Shopping
The Barras
Glasgow's famous East End market with over 1000 traders selling their wares both new and used. Only held on weekends. The Barras Centre, London Road.
The Italian Centre
A fabulous jewel of a designer mall in the Merchant City, with the finest Italian labels including Emporio Armani and Versace stores. John Street, G1.
Prince's Square (www.princessquare.co.uk)
Handsome, upscale mall with designer fashion, accessories plus Zinc, Zizzi & Etain restaurants. 48 Buchanan Street, G1. Tel: +44 (0)141 221 0324.
Saratoga Trunk
Get ready to wear yourself out with wild retro and vintage clothing in this Aladdin’s cave-like setting. Unit 10, 61 Hydepark Street, G1. Tel: +44 (0)141 221 4433.
Slaters
Enormous menswear store. Considered something of a Glasgow institution. 165 Howard Street, G1. Tel: +44 (0)141 552 7171.
Edinburgh Shopping
Corniche
Ultra hip designer boutique stocking high-end domestic big-names, including Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen. 2 & 4 Jeffrey Street, EH1. Tel: +44 (0)131 556 3707.
Cruise
Well-heeled favourite amongst fashion victims, cool clubbers and upmarket hipsters. 14 St. Mary's Street, EH1. Tel: +44 (0)131 556 2532.
Edinburgh Woolen Mill
Traditional Scottish woollen wear - all of a high quality. 453 Lawnmarket, EH1. Tel: +44 (0)131 225 1525.
Jenners (www.jenners.com)
Opened in 1896, Jenners is the world's oldest independent department store. The food hall is an excellent location to pick up Scottish delicacies. 48 Princes Street, EH1. Tel: +44 (0)131 225 2442.
Kinloch Anderson
(www.kinlochanderson.com)Kilt outfitters to the Royal Family. An off-the-peg model suitable for casual wear should run you from $300. Commercial Street/Dock Street, EH6. Tel: +44 (0)131 555 1390.
Royal Mile Whiskies (www.royalmilewhiskies.co.uk)
Over 300 Scottish whiskies to choose from. The staff really know their stuff. 379 High Street, EH1. Tel: +44 (0)131 225 3383.