Scotland offers some of the best shopping experiences in the UK outside of London with shops ranging from the high street chains of the modern cities to the hand-crafted items of rural areas, shopping in Scotland offers so much variety.
The contrast between the high-end brand stores that can be found in Scotland's cities and the small rural shops selling items such as pottery and jewellery is what makes shopping in Scotland so enjoyable.
This is the country to pick up a unique present or souvenir. If you look beyond the endless shelves of cheap, tacky souvenirs you will find many excellent high-quality goods on offer.
Mostly around the Scottish borders, there are mill shops that make tweeds and cloths. Harris Tweed is a good buy and you can watch your cloth being woven on the Hebridean islands of Harris and Lewis. Knitwear is sold throughout Scotland and offers good value for money and jewellery is another popular souvenir - there are many excellent craft shops throughout the Highlands and Islands making beautiful jewellery with Celtic designs.
Glassware is also popular, particularly Edinburgh crystal and Caithness glass, as well as pottery. Food and drink make good items to buy - bring a taste of Scotland back home with you, and you are not limited to the shortbread sold in tartan tins! Smoked salmon and other smoke fish make good buys, and not to forget some famous Scottish whisky.
Shop opening hours in Scotland are generally Monday to Saturday from 9.00am - 17.30pm or 18.00pm.
Shopping in Edinburgh
Whatever you're after in Edinburgh you will find something to suit. From popular outdoor shopping high streets like Princes Street, fashionable designer boutiques of the West End and up-market chic of the New Town, there are so many shops and just so little time!
Edinburgh is also home to Scotland's only Harvey Nichols which can be found next to Edinburgh's modern and luxurious designer boulevard - Multrees Walk, which is just 2 minutes from Princes Street.
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Shopping in Glasgow
Glasgow is considered to have the best shopping facilities in Scotland - it is regarded as offering the best UK shopping centre and largest outside of London.
Ranging from the many major UK high street stores, smaller boutiques, department stores and a wide variety of specialty shops, including craft and antique shops, you will find every type of shop selling every type of item in Glasgow.
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