Scottish Souvenirs: 15 Authentic Scottish Things to Buy in Edinburgh
The popularity of Scotland stretches far beyond its geographical borders, fueled, in large part, by Hollywood's interest in the Scottish theme - Sean Connery (as James Bond), "Braveheart", etc. Indeed, the cultural spectrum of this part of Britain is enormous and comprises great history, music, traditional fashion, craftsmanship, signature whisky, and much much more. When in Edinburgh, you would definitely want to procure something memorable and distinctly Scottish to keep as a souvenir. Here are some ideas of what might serve this purpose just well.
(To visit the venues mentioned in this article, check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Edinburgh)
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1. Edinburgh Crystal
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Synonymous with luxury, the Edinburgh Crystal constitutes a great gift for your family and friends, who may use it either as a functional or decorative item. Manufactured since the mid 1800s, this cut glass crystal became a symbol of Edinburgh. It may come in the form of drinking glasses, decanters, bowls, baskets, or even bells. Edinburgh Crystal is now owned by Waterford Wedgwood. Even though there were many ranges of glassware, only four of them have succeeded to maintain their uniqueness in the former 鈥淐onnoisseur Collection鈥�, namely: the Star of Edinburgh, the Thistle, King James and Lochnagar. These were labeled as collectibles. Prices vary between $15 and $400.
Where to find it:
John LewisAddress: St James Centre, Edinburgh EH1 3SP, Scotland, UK
Opening hours: Monday - Saturday: 9:00-20:00; Sunday: 10:00-19:00
Tel: (+44) 131 556 9121聽
Website: 鈥巎ohnlewis.com
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2. Malt Scotch Whisky
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Looking for a bottle of whisky as a gift for your friends or family? The malt Scotch whisky is exactly what you need. The finest whisky selection from Scotland's best distilleries with a quality that speaks for itself - capturing rarity and exclusiveness in a glass, this Scottish alcoholic drink captivates curious and discerning whisky lovers from all corners of the globe. The Single Malt Scotch Whisky is made exclusively from malted barley and represents Scotland's biggest export. Edinburgh is considered the home of the Malt Whisky Society, stocking the world's largest whisky collection. Prices vary between $20 and $340.
Where to find it:
Royal Mile Whiskies Address: 379 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1PW, Scotland, UK
Tel: (+44) 131 225 3383
Email: info@royalmilewhiskies.com
Opening hours: Daily: 10:00 鈥� 20:00
Website: http://www.royalmilewhiskies.com/
The Scotch Whisky Experience shop
Address: 354 Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2NE, Scotland, UK
Opening hours: Daily: 10:00 - 18:20
Tel: (+44) 131 220 0441
Website: http://www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk/
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3. Quaich
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This classic small drinking bowl of Scotland constitutes an ideal gift for various special occasions, such as weddings, christenings, birthdays or anniversaries. It is also widely used as a trophy for golf, curling and other sports events. Though most often quaichs are made of wood, other popular materials include stone, bras, pewter, horn and silver. Some quaichs' bottoms are made of glass, allegedly so that the drinker could keep watch on his companions. Many quaichs are engraved with some special messages or a clan crest. In Edinburgh, quaichs became popular at the end of the 17th century. Prices range between $20 and $200, or more.
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4. Sgian-Dubh
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Whether buy it as a gift for a special person or for yourself, sgian-dubh represents an exclusive work of art, something to wear with pride and pass as a legacy to future generations. It represents a small, single-edged knife worn as a piece of the popular Scottish Highland dress together with the kilt. The knife is usually worn so as only the upper segment of the hilt is noticeable, the rest being tucked into the top of the kilt hose. It is used as a ceremonial item of dress, not as a self-defense weapon, much more for cutting purposes. Price: $50 - $450 or more.
Where to find it:
Crest Of EdinburghAddress: 217 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1PE, Scotland, UK
Opening hours: Monday - Friday: 9:30-19:30; Saturday, Sunday: 9:30-20:00
Tel: (+44) 131 226 5464
Heritage of Scotland
Address: 459-461 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2NT, United Kingdom
Tel: (+44) 131 557 2030聽鈥�
Website: heritageofscotland.com鈥�
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5. Cairn O'Mohr Wine
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Cairn O'Mohr, outstanding Scottish fruit wines, constitute a great gift for those who enjoy a glass of good wine. Made from berries, flowers and leaves that grow in the region, this award-winning drink brings out distinctive flavors and an aromatic juicy taste. Only the freshest ingredients are used to produce these wines, such as strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, oak leaves and brambles. Nothing sumptuous, just the best ingredients they grow, fermented in the traditional way. This Scottish alcoholic drink attracts curious and discerning wine lovers from all corners of the globe and constitutes a great accompaniment for dinner. Price: $7鈥�$20.
Where to find it:
Edinburgh Farmers' MarketAddress: Castle Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2EN, Scotland, UK
Opening hours: Every Saturday, Year round: 09:00 鈥� 14:00
Website: http://www.edinburghfarmersmarket.com
Ghillie Dhu (pub)
Address: 2 Rutland Place, Edinburgh EH1 2AD , Scotland, UK
Tel: (+44) 131 222 9930
Email: ghillie-dhu@g1group.com
Opening hours: Monday 鈥� Thursday: 12:00-00:00
Friday, Saturday: 12:00-15:00; Sunday: 12:00-00:00
Website: http://www.ghillie-dhu.co.uk/
6. Kilt
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People adore the comfort and practicality of kilts, as well as the style, heritage, and courtesy that comes with wearing them. This knee-length item with pleats at the rear originated in the Scottish Highlands during the 16th century, and is often being labeled as 鈥渢he national dress of Scotland鈥�. The originality of the design, construction, and convention of the Scottish kilt make it different from other garments fitting the overall description. This traditional dress for men and boys is highly appreciated throughout the world, being considered a sacred symbol of patriotism and honor for a true Scotsman. Prices vary, based on size and texture, between $40 and $450 or more.
Where to find it:
Geoffrey Taylor KiltmakerAddress: 57-59 High Street, The Royal Mile,Edinburgh EH1 1SR, Scotland, UK
Tel: (+44 ) 131 557 0256
Email: enquiries@geoffreykilts.co.uk
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday: 10:00-17:00
Website: http://www.geoffreykilts.co.uk/
Hector Russell
Address: 137-141 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SG , Scotland, UK
Opening hours: Daily: 9:00-22:00
Tel: (+44 ) 131 558 1254
Email: sales@hector-russell.com
Website: http://www.hector-russell.com/
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7. Heathergems Jewelry
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This impressive unique gem constitutes a great gift for that one of a kind person in your life. Made from the stems of the Heather plant (a typical Scottish plant well-known for purple bloom), this creatively colorful jewelry will bring a piece of the Highlands to you. No two pieces of jewelry will be colored absolutely alike, each item showing different patterns and colors. Only natural dyes are used to color the stems. The jewelry comes in attractive gift boxes, some of them reproducing designs dating back to the start of Christianity in Scotland. Prices vary between $10 and $100.
Where to find it:
The Luckenbooth (shop) http://www.heathergems.com/mainstockists.html
Address: 329 High Street, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1PE, Scotland, UK
Tel: (+44) 131 220 1840
Opening hours: Daily: 07:00-23:00
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8. Tartan Scarf
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Whether you wear it for style or warmth, the tartan scarf will definitely add splash to any outfit you decide to put on. It shows off the Scottish pride and constitutes a great accessory for both, men and women. These stunning scarves come in a variety of options, including wool, silk and cashmere, and are often used as a sash for children. They feel soft and fuzzy, serving as a great highlight to your overall look. Their length allows you to wrap them in a variety of ways. An ideal gift for someone special or yourself! Prices vary, based on length and texture, between $10 and $200 or more.
Where to find it:
Geoffrey Taylor KiltmakerAddress: 555 Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2ND, Scotland, UK
Tel: (+44 ) 131 226 1555
Opening hours: Daily: 9:00-19:00
Website: http://www.geoffreykilts.co.uk/
Royal Mile Street
Address: Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2PB, Scotland, UK
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9. Ghillie Brogues Shoes
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Ghillie brogues are most often perceived as an item of traditional, formal Scottish dress and are mainly worn for social occasions. At first glance, they appear to have no tongue and long laces that are wrapped around the leg, thus preventing it from getting stuck in the mud. Some of the shoes may have the soles only glued, while others stitched for lastingness. The latter holds up better in extreme hot or wet weather. There are a number of different brands of ghillie brogues on the market, varying in weight and shoe cuts. Prices vary accordingly between $50 and $250 or more.
Where to find it:
The Scotland Kilt CompanyAddress: 93-95 Southbridge, Edinburgh EH1 1HN, Scotland, UK
Opening hours: Daily: 10:00-18:00
Tel: (+44 ) 131 225 3555
Email: sales@thescotlandkiltcompany.co.uk
Website: http://www.thescotlandkiltcompany.co.uk/
Marchbrae
Address: 375 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1PW, United Kingdom
Opening hours: Daily: 9:30-19:30
Tel: (+44) 131 225 8023
Email: sales@marchbrae.com
Website: http://www.thescotlandkiltcompany.co.uk/
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10. Sporran
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This traditional item of the Scottish Highland dress constitutes a great gift for your family and friends. It often takes the place of pockets on the pocketless Scottish kilt and serves as a great place to store keys, money and other personal items. The pouch is usually made of leather or fur and comes in a wide variety of designs. The ornamentation of the sporran is induced by the formality of the dress worn with it. There are several types of sporrans, such as dress sporrans, day sporrans, animal mask sporrans and horsehair sporrans. The prices vary from $15 up to $650 or more.
Where to find it:
Gordon NicolsonAddress: 189 Canongate, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH8 8BN, Scotland, UK
Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday-Saturday: 9:30-17:30;
Wednesday: 10:00-17:30; Sunday: 12:00-16:00
Tel: (+44) 131 558 2887
Website: http://www.nicolsonkiltmakers.com/
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11. Scottish Tea
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Scotland's connection with tea started at the beginning of the 16th century, when it was officially introduced to the country. Nowadays, the two most popular Scottish tea brands are the Scottish Tea Breakfast and the Scottish Blend. These are famous particularly for the Scotland soft water, and are considered to be the leading authentic Scottish tea. Scottish Breakfast is a full bodied black tea with a musty aroma, it being most often served with sugar and milk. Each Scottish tea brings up a unique taste and aroma, serving as a great gift for tea lovers. Price: $5 - $40.
Where to find it:
PekoeTeaAddress: 11 Leith Walk, Edinburgh EH6 8LN, United Kingdom
Opening hours: Wednesday-Saturday: 11:00-17:00
Tel: (+44) 131 669 9222
Website: http://www.edinburghteacoffee.co.uk/
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12. Toiletries and Fragrances
Scottish fragrance company, Arran Aromatics, is the country's leading producer of elaborate toiletries, lifestyle products and gifts. It manufactures about 250 items across 6 different spheres, including triple milled vegetable soaps, foam bath, bath grains, shower gel, body wash, bath oil, body lotion, hand cream and lip balm. One of their most popular item is Bay Citrus For Men collection, which is the top-selling article of the company. The shaving products are also highly popular, being known for their fresh scent of the island shore. In order to sustain its vision of creating the best products possible, the company uses only the finest, most natural ingredients available. Prices vary between $3 and $90 or more.
13. Scottish Traditional Music CDs
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A CD with Scottish traditional music constitutes a great gift for those fond of folk music. Most often, this music is accompanied by piano and cello instruments. Their traditional tribal music is haunting and highly percussive, conducted by bass drums, bodhrans, and bagpipes. In Scottish music you will find an inclination towards the Scottish small pipes and border pipes which are both bellow-drive.
Vocal music is also famous in this country's musical tradition, taking most often the forms of ballads and laments. These are usually performed by a sole singer with backing, or played on popular instruments, such as harp, fiddle or accordion. Famous performers include Albannach (a Scottish tribal drumming band), Harry Lauder, Will Fyffe, Andy Stewart, Glen Daly, Moira Anderson and others. Price: $10 - $15 or more.
Vocal music is also famous in this country's musical tradition, taking most often the forms of ballads and laments. These are usually performed by a sole singer with backing, or played on popular instruments, such as harp, fiddle or accordion. Famous performers include Albannach (a Scottish tribal drumming band), Harry Lauder, Will Fyffe, Andy Stewart, Glen Daly, Moira Anderson and others. Price: $10 - $15 or more.
Where to find it:
Coda MusicAddress: 51A High St, Stevenage SG1 3AH, United Kingdom
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday: 9:30-17:30
Tel: (+44) 131 622 7246
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14. Scottish Crest Badge
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This heraldic badge, showing honor and loyalty towards an individual or membership in a specific Scottish clan, constitutes a great gift for your family or friends. It represents a crest embodied with a motto and is most often worn by representatives of Scottish clans. Crest badges are made of silver or white metal and constitute an important accessory of the Scottish traditional dress. Women tend to wear it as a brooch, usually on the left side. Even though clan crests are often bought and sold, the heraldic crest and slogan correspond only to the chief and never to the individual clan member. Price: $20 - $150.
Where to find it:
Crest Of EdinburghAddress: 217 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1PE, Scotland, UK
Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 9:30-19:30; Saturday, Sunday: 9:30-20:00
Tel: (+44) 131 226 5464
Heritage of Scotland
Address: 459-461 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2NT, United Kingdom
Opening hours: Daily: 9:00-20:30
Tel: (+44) 131 557 2030
Website: heritageofscotland.com鈥�
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15. Scottish Heather Honey
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This premium honey brand gathered from the hives spread throughout the Scottish Highlands will definitely make a huge hit with your family or friends back home. Its unique, strong full-bodied flavor renders it quite famous with chefs and honey connoisseurs. A rich honey with a deep caramel taste is characterized by a thick, almost jelly-like texture, and sweet, natural taste. The nectar is collected from two different types of heather, Bell Heather and Ling Heather. It has a high content of iron, vitamins and minerals. Though it has a vivid appearance, this honey is not clear. Its color ranges from reddish-orange to dark gold. A delightful and highly recommended gift! Price: $10 - $15.
Where to find it:
Good FoodAddress: 255 Morningside Road, Edinburgh EH10 4RD, Morningside, Scotland, UK
Tel: (+44) 131 452 9020
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday: 10:00-17:00
Real Foods Ltd鈥�
Address: 37 Broughton Street, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH1 3JU, Scotland, UK
Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 9:00-19:00;
Saturday: 9:00-18:30; Sunday: 10:00-18:00
Tel: (+44) 131 557 1911
Website: realfoods.co.uk鈥�
Real Foods Ltd鈥�
Address: 8 Brougham Street, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH3 9JH, Scotland, UK
Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 9:00-19:00;
Saturday: 9:00-18:00; Sunday: 10:00-17:00
Tel: (+44) 131 228 1201
Website: realfoods.co.uk鈥�
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Other Interesting Souvenirs from Scotland
If traveling to Scotland is not on your immediate agenda, or you simply can't afford an extra space in your luggage, fortunately, these days, you can find a wide selection of authentic and truly interesting Scottish souvenirs online. Presented here are some of the Scottish products sought by foreign visitors, now available online for your convenience.
1. Oor Wullie - Oor Wullie is Scotland's favorite comic strip that follows the exploits of Oor Wullie, the tousle-haired wee Scottish fellow from the fictional town of Auchenshoogle. This hilarious guide appears every week in the Sunday Post newspaper for over 80 years now, introducing readers to Oor Wullie's favorite words and phrases. It is worth noting that all these words are in Scots slang. What better way to grasp the true essence of Scotland?
2. Tunnock鈥檚 Teacakes - The Tunnock's Teacake is a sweet food popular in the UK, often served with a cup of tea or coffee. The product consists of a small round shortbread biscuit covered with a dome of Italian meringue, a whipped egg white concoction, similar to marshmallow, coated in a thin layer of milk or dark chocolate and wrapped in a red and silver foil paper for the more popular milk chocolate variety, with blue, black, and gold wrapping for the dark. Be sure to try both.
3. Walkers Shortbread - Walkers Shortbread is made in the Scottish Highland to the Walkers' traditional family recipe since 1898. The company produces a variety of shortbread, oat crackers & other baked snacks, from Shortbread Fingers & Scottie Dogs to Highland Oat Crackers & Scottish Cookies to Delicious Chocolate Shortbread Assortment. The Walkers cookies boast melt-in-the-mouth buttery, crumbly, shortbread texture and are delightful with tea, coffee, your favorite ice cream, or on their own. Ideal for snacking in the car, office, in the park, wherever and whenever a little treat is called for. Suitable for vegetarians and Kosher OUD.
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