What to Buy in Scotland

1. Cashmere and Wool Tartans and Plaids

It is one of the first things that comes to mind when thinking about Scotland. Whether a heritage clan tartan or a pretty, colorful plaid, Scotland has you covered. The entire Royal Mile in Edinburgh is lined with shops selling woven cashmere and wool scarves, throws, blankets, apparel, and accessories.

I am partial to cashmere and have loaded up on sweaters and scarves each time I have visited Edinburgh. My favorite shop on the Royal Mile is Kiltane. There are many other wonderful shops, but I love the color assortment at Kiltane, along with their beautiful fine knit sweaters. Be aware that many of the places offering super low prices are often selling a lower quality wool product. If it matters to you, look for 100% pure cashmere that is made in Scotland.

2. Royal Scot Crystal

Royal Scot is one of the most prestigious names in British crystal. Their “Flower of Scotland” collection features the Scotch Thistle, which is perhaps the most identifiable symbol of Scotland, second only to tartan. If you are looking for an exquisite gift for yourself or someone special, this is it.

I came home with a set of whisky tumblers. It doesn’t get more Scottish than Royal Scot Crystal + thistles + whisky. Royal Scot Crystal can be ordered directly from their website and shipped worldwide. They also have stockists all over the UK.

3. Scotch Whisky

The United Kingdom is the top exporter of whiskies with 53 bottles of Scotch Whisky exported every second to markets all over the world! It is my personal drink of choice, as well:). Funny story…when I was at a bar in the Highlands, the bartender refused (refused!) to make a mixed drink with whisky. He said it would “ruin the whisky.” They are that serious about their whisky. Ok, I respect that.

There are lots and lots of whisky distilleries dotted all over the Scottish countryside. If you have time to visit one or multiple, you’ll definitely want to pick up some to take back home with you. We did a distillery tour and tasting at Glenmorangie.

If you miss the distillery scene, you can still find an incredible selection at the Scotch Whisky Experience on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Check out their wall of minis and grab a bunch to try out. The ones I am most curious about, I will find time to sip on while traveling in case I want to purchase a larger bottle before leaving.

4. Isle of Skye Candles

My fondest memory traveling through the Highlands, was the time we spent hiking on the Isle of Skye. It is otherworldly, vast, and so beautiful. We stopped at the Isle of Skye Candle Company shop on the A87 road in Broadford to buy a few tumbler candles to take back home. The packaging is very giftable (and packable) and the fragrances are unique to the Scottish countryside. Scents like Scotch Pine (my favorite), Highland Gorse, Scottish Bluebell, and Heather & Wild Berries are just some of the scents you can experience.

If your travel plans do not include the Isle of Skye, there is also a store in Edinburgh just off the Royal Mile on West Bow. Online ordering and worldwide shipping is also available here.

5. Harris Tweed

Harris Tweed is a specific brand of tweed that is produced in Scotland in the Outer Hebrides. The colors are dyed in the wool and blended together before being spun. When it comes to Scottish style, few pieces are more iconic that a Harris Tweed jacket. But, the fabric is used to make more than jackets!

Living in Texas, we don’t have too many months during the year that warrant an extra layer of wool. So, I bought a hip flask for my husband from Walker Slater, located on Victoria Street in Edinburgh. This cozy shop has an exclusive collection of Harris Tweed suits, jackets, and accessories, as well as other elegant clothing.

You will find items made with Harris Tweed all over Scotland. However, if you are looking for a fine menswear shop, Walker Slater is a great shop with Scottish heritage of its own. The Scotland Kilt Company also has a very nice selection.

6. Tunnock’s Tea Cakes

Tunnock’s is a long-standing Scottish confectionary brand, originating in Glasgow. I had never even heard of this company before seeing a Tea Cake for sale at a cafe in Inverness. A Tunnock’s Tea Cake is a marshmallowy thing with a biscuit at the bottom, and then the whole thing is covered in chocolate. I’m not a big marshmallow fan, so I didn’t think I’d care for it. But, OMG, these are delicious!

My husband would absolutely tell you that the Tunnock’s Caramel wafer bars are better. But, I will point out that Her Majesty the Queen preferred the Tea Cakes over the wafter bars. Just saying.

You can find Tunnock’s Tea Cakes in grocers and pit stops all over Scotland – and even at the airport. Once I got back to the US, I spotted the Caramel wafter bars at my local World Market. You can also get the Tea Cakes off of Amazon here. Lol, who knew?

7. Glencairn Glass

The Glencairn Glass was designed specifically for the enjoyment of whisky. The tapered mouth captures more of the aroma of your whisky so you can spend time savoring the notes. I purchased a set of these glasses to bring home with me because I wanted something smaller for my whisky that fit nicely in my hand. Although the glasses are meant for whisky, I do use them for other liquors and after-dinner-drinks that are meant for sipping.

The Glencairn Glass website offers engraving on some purchases (what a great gift idea!). I bought my set of Glencairn Glasses from the Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh and use them all the time! Literally anything related to whisky makes a great souvenir from Scotland.

8. Arts & Crafts

Scotland has a thriving Arts & Crafts community. Nearly every gift shop and marketplace we dropped into showcased locally handmade goods. We saw original artwork, pottery, textiles, jewelry, upcycled/recycled creations, and more. It was refreshing to see businesses supporting their local artist community and promoting sustainable crafting.

One of my favorite shops selling exclusively handmade goods was Made in Stirling in Stirling. Their website has a tiny smattering of what is available in their store. I bought several gifts here to take back home for my sons and the person watching our dog. What is more Scottish than something handmade by a Scotsman?

9. Shortbread

It’s the national cookie, if there was one. We played our part and ate our share of it while we were there. We bought cookies from shops and bakeries – and always had some floating around the car in case someone’s blood sugar got low.

You are probably already familiar with Walker’s, which you can readily purchase in the States at grocery stores and Target. So, while in Scotland, try some other brands! I brought home multiple canisters of cookies from the Shortbread House of Edinburgh. You can find this brand and others in gift shops and at the airport – or order online if you’re running short on luggage space.

10. Boot Socks

If you are a cowboy boot or welly boot kind of person, you will love the merino wool blend boot socks from House of Cheviot. I bought a pair of Lady Rannoch in Dark Olive. They have a wide range of other colors – and trust me – I’m going back for more. I wear my socks with my Hunter rain boots and with my Sorrel tall winter boots. They are great for both!

I found my socks at a shop in Inverness and immediately thought of my tall boots. Believe it or not, a handful of colors are available to purchase from Amazon. However, the House of Cheviot website has a much better selection and International shipping options are available.