Scotland is a rugged and dramatic country forming the northern third of Great Britain, renowned for its ancient castles, breathtaking Highland landscapes, and vibrant cultural heritage. From the cosmopolitan cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow to the remote beauty of the Isle of Skye and Loch Ness, Scotland offers an extraordinary blend of history, natural wonder, and warm hospitality. Scotland is also celebrated for its world-class whisky distilleries, golf courses, and the distinctive traditions of clan culture and Highland games.
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Edinburgh Farmers Market
Scotland's first farmers market, established 1999. Over 60 producers selling Scottish cheeses, meats, seafood, baked goods, and seasonal produce. Held in the car park beside Edinburgh Castle, it has spectacular views. A wonderful place to sample Scottish food before buying.
Where: Castle Terrace, Edinburgh
Stockbridge Market
A beloved community market in the Stockbridge neighbourhood with artisan food producers, craft stalls, vintage goods, and street food. Much loved by locals and a great escape from the tourist-heavy city centre.
Where: Saunders Street, Stockbridge, Edinburgh
Glasgow Barras Market
The Barras is Glasgow's legendary indoor and outdoor market, operating since the 1920s. An eclectic mix of antiques, second-hand goods, new merchandise, street food, and live music. An authentic Glasgow experience that shows a very different side of the city to its more polished attractions.
Where: Gallowgate, Glasgow
The Grassmarket Market
A smaller artisan market in the historic Grassmarket square beneath Edinburgh Castle, with craft producers, food vendors, and independent makers.
Where: Grassmarket, Edinburgh
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Princes Street, Edinburgh
Edinburgh's main shopping street running along the north side of the Old Town/New Town divide, with a mix of department stores, high street chains, and Scottish retailers. The street has one-sided development giving unobstructed views to Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens throughout.
Best for: Department stores, high street fashion, books
Royal Mile, Edinburgh
The Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse is lined with dozens of Scottish souvenir shops, tartan specialists, whisky shops, and independent retailers. Quality varies - shop around for genuine Scottish-made products versus imported goods.
Best for: Whisky, tartan, kilts, traditional Scottish souvenirs
Edinburgh's West End / Multrees Walk
Edinburgh's luxury shopping district around George Street and Multrees Walk features designer boutiques, upscale independent retailers, and quality Scottish craft shops. Multrees Walk has Louis Vuitton, Harvey Nichols, and international luxury brands.
Best for: Luxury fashion, high-end Scottish design
Buchanan Street, Glasgow
Glasgow's premier pedestrianised shopping street is the heart of Scotland's most vibrant retail city. Glasgow is considered better for shopping than Edinburgh, with a greater concentration of fashion brands, independent stores, and the famous Buchanan Galleries mall.
Best for: Fashion, high street shopping, jewellery
Merchant City, Glasgow
Glasgow's Merchant City is the most stylish shopping area, with independent boutiques, vintage clothing shops, jewellers, and galleries concentrated around Argyle Street and Ingram Street.
Best for: Independent fashion, art, vintage clothing
Stockbridge, Edinburgh
The charming village-within-a-city of Stockbridge has an excellent collection of independent shops, antique dealers, vintage clothing stores, and delicatessens. The Sunday Stockbridge Market is a local favourite.
Best for: Antiques, independent fashion, local market