What to buy in Scotland. What can you bring as a gift from Edinburgh? Shopping in Edinburgh

Kilts, bagpipes and other clan paraphernalia

In the Middle Ages, the territory of Scotland was divided between clans - tribal communities with a patriarchal structure. It was thanks to them that the Scottish checkered fabric - tartan - became widespread: with the help of a unique pattern, the highlanders demonstrated their belonging to one or another clan.

The traditional costume of a fighting highlander is a kilt, knee socks, a plaid, a beret and brogue shoes. Mandatory accessories are a kiltpin (a pin for securing the kilt), a sporran (a special hip pouch) and a belt with a buckle and Celtic patterns. All these items of national clothing can become excellent Scottish souvenirs. And there are more than enough all sorts of rubbish, like cufflinks with clan symbols or checkered mugs on the counters of souvenir shops.

An integral attribute of the Scottish military campaigns, the bagpipes have many fans today. The original instrument is not only expensive, but also difficult to transport, so if you really want it, you can purchase a children’s version as an interior decoration. In addition, you can find wooden nutcrackers with bagpipes, or, at worst, treat yourself to a magnet.

Whiskey

Scotland's national drink is, of course, whiskey. True, Ireland is still challenging its neighbor for the right to be called the birthplace of this strong alcohol. This dispute has been going on for a long time and is unlikely to be resolved. Apparently, the truth is in the wine, because the technologies for making Scotch whiskey not only differ from those of the Irish, but also vary greatly within the country. Everyone must decide for themselves which whiskey is better - malt or mixed, from salty shores or heather valleys. To make this important decision, head to the Scottish Whiskey Heritage Center, where you can taste more than a hundred varieties of this drink. And if you don’t want to tempt yourself, just buy real Scotch scotch from one of the classic brands like Johnnie Walker or Chivas Regal: you definitely won’t go wrong.

Tweed, wool and cashmere items

The Scots know as much about fabrics as they do about whiskey. A warm wool sweater, cashmere scarf or tartan blanket will warm you not only with memories. Local boutiques also have a large selection of tweed products. Jackets, berets, suits and other products made from this cozy and practical material will serve as an excellent, albeit expensive gift: after all, tweed, as you know, originated in Scotland.

Scottish sweets

Didn't you know? The Scots still have a sweet tooth! Scottish toffee, traditional shortbread, gingerbread - all these delicacies are available both in souvenir shops and in regular supermarkets. And if your friends follow a healthy lifestyle, please them with a jar of heather honey. Harvested in the north of Scotland, it is rich in iron and minerals, with a rich flavor and thick texture. Don't forget about tea with heather or mountain herbs - the Scots know how to warm up not only with alcohol!

Souvenirs with symbols of Scotland

Perhaps the most significant symbol of the country is the thistle: according to legend, it was this plant that helped the Scots win the Battle of Largs in the 13th century. The Norwegian invaders intended to surprise the sleeping Scottish warriors by sneaking barefoot into their camp under cover of darkness. And their plan would have come true if one of the Norwegians had not stepped on a burdock. With his cry, he attracted the attention of the sentries, and the Scots managed to prepare for the battle, and then win it. Today, the thistle flower adorns souvenir badges and brooches, various costume jewelry and jewelry products on the shelves of Scottish stores.

The main product associated with Scotland is, of course, Scotch whiskey. There are dozens of large and small distilleries operating in various regions of the country, producing drinks of the highest quality and original variety of tastes.

Another popular product purchased from Scotland is the national costume of the Scottish Highlander, the main element of which is a plaid skirt - kilt. The classic kilt made of woolen fabric (tartan) is quite expensive (from £100), but shops in Scotland sell its “budget” synthetic version everywhere. In addition to kilts, tartan fabric is used to make simultaneous blankets, which are also in demand as a national product of Scotland.

People who are partial to music will be interested in purchasing the main national instrument in Scotland - the Highland Bagpipe, the sounds of which have a simply hypnotic effect on those around them. A more inexpensive option for a musical instrument from Scotland is the Celtic whistle flute, which can be purchased for just a couple of pounds.

Store opening times in Scotland

Shops in Scotland usually open from 09:00 to 05:30 or 06:00. In big cities and popular tourist areas during the summer season (as well as during the pre-Christmas rush), shops are open until late in the evening. Many large supermarkets in Scotland are open 24 hours.

In remote rural areas of Scotland, local shops may close as early as 1pm on a Tuesday or Wednesday. On the islands, most shops are closed on Saturday.

Prices in stores in Scotland

Prices in Scotland are at a fairly high level, which is typical for many northern European countries, as well as for areas of southern England. The most expensive products and services can be found in the country's major cities - Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, however, in remote rural regions and islands the price level can sometimes be even higher.

One of the most expensive products in Scotland, ironically, is Scotch whiskey. Thanks to high British taxes, inexpensive "mixed" scotch brands in Europe can be bought 40-60% cheaper than in Scotland itself.

VAT refund in Scotland

VAT refunds are available for all visitors who do not have British citizenship and are not residents of EU countries. The tax refund amount is approximately 15% of the purchase.

Conditions for VAT refund in Scotland

• Purchase amount from £30
• Availability of a foreign passport
• Availability of a special Tax-Free form filled out in the store (with stamps and signatures)

Upon arrival at the airport, you must go to the Global Refund point at customs, fill out a form and provide your receipts (sometimes you may be required to show the goods). At Edinburgh Airport, the form is placed in a special box marked “VAT Retail Export Scheme” at the entrance to the customs office. The payment is made on the spot or transferred to a bank card (there must be a special note about this on the form).

Scotland has been famous for its wool industry for centuries - cashmere and sheep wool products will not only be a pleasant and symbolic gift (especially if they are made in the traditional “tartan” pattern - that same check), but also quite practical. Well, the inhabitants of these harsh lands have been taught to keep warm for a long time. But beware of fakes: Scotland is gradually being filled with cheap imports of far from high quality. A “correct” woolen kilt or blanket costs from 100–200 EUR, approximately in the same price range for beautiful sweaters from family manufactories with a history of a couple of hundred years. If you need quality, but at a fraction of the price, pay attention to clan check scarves. A stylish wardrobe item will cost 15–20 EUR. It's a small thing, but nice. Prices on the page are for October 2018.

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If you really want bagpipes, it’s better to take the children’s version. It makes just as crazy sounds, but costs much less.

Nice trinkets and gifts

Among small souvenirs, metal and leather crafts with national symbols are asked to be included in a suitcase - brooches, earrings, bracelets, belts, kilt pins, massive belt buckles. If your budget allows, then all the same things can be bought in silver. A very interesting thing is the sporran belt pouch. Russian men are unlikely to appreciate a strange fur or leather handbag with embossing, frilly buckles and a chain around the hips, but urban fashionistas will certainly find a use for such an unusual accessory.

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If you really want bagpipes, then it’s probably better to take the children’s version. The sounds it makes are just as crazy, but it costs much less, won’t cause problems with customs and will be much more convenient for transportation. A popular and unexpected option is heather and thistle seeds. With proper care, a piece of Scotland will grow on your porch for many years. Such a living souvenir will cost only 1.50–3 EUR.

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Edible souvenirs: whiskey, beer and cookies

As for edible gifts, it is worth paying attention to local oatmeal cookies; they say they started baking them in Scotland a long time ago, and they still do it best. The prices are not bad - 2–3 EUR per pack. Be sure to take tea with heather and other mountain herbs with your cookies. Beer lovers will appreciate real Scottish ale. And, of course, you can’t help but buy Scotch whiskey, but don’t forget about customs rules: you can’t take too much alcohol duty free.

Good afternoon I'll be in Edinburgh for a few days. What local gifts can you bring to your wife and parents? Some wool products, whiskey? Nothing else comes to mind. I want something practical, not a trinket. Where is the best place to buy? Hotel in the Royal Mile area. Probably not the best place for shopping there? (center, everything for tourists at exorbitant prices). I would appreciate your advice.

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The most popular product is woolen scarves with various checkered patterns of Scottish houses. They are small and very pleasant to the body and very warm.

Very good quality, just T-shirts with cool designs, bought, however, on the islands near Oban, but I think you can find them in other places.

I kept wanting to buy myself a checkered eyeglass case, but something didn’t work out :) But on Skye I bought sunglasses that fit on top of regular ones. For me, as a driver, this is an invaluable acquisition, I couldn’t be happier! I regret that I bought just one...

On Saturday, I think there is a fair downstairs behind Edinburgh Castle, they sell a lot of all sorts of local and non-local products..

I let children into pubs without any problems, but not in the evening. I won’t say exactly at what hour I stop letting it in, probably around 20...

After 10 pm, children are not allowed, as concerns restaurants. We had to explain that we are foreigners and after moving for a long time, we physically did not have time to eat anywhere, etc. etc.
Children are not allowed into bars where they only drink.

Shopping in the UK goes beyond London. In other cities in England, Ireland and Scotland, you can make equally profitable purchases: from designer clothes to memorable souvenirs and items of national pride.

Shopping in Manchester

Manchester is a famous European shopping center. The country's largest shopping malls are located here, and the pedestrian streets are dotted with boutiques. A shopping raid is a pleasure, because the distance between stores is small, and the level of service exceeds all expectations.

The best shopping street in the city is King Street, where almost all famous brands are concentrated. The Arndale shopping center, built more than 4 decades ago, is considered a local landmark. Today its area is 185 thousand sq.m. The windows of more than 300 stores shine. The architecture of the Trafford shopping center is impressive, occupying an honorable second place in the UK in terms of its scale. Here are presented as budget ones (Diesel, Nike, Bershka, Aldo, Gap, Marks & Spencer, Republic, Newlook, Peacocks, Zara, H&M ", "Lewis", "Monsoon", "Orvis"), and elite collections ("Hugo Boss", "Giorgio Armani", "Puma", "Louis Vuitton", "Dolce & Gabbana").

Music fans should definitely head to the Northern Quarter, where the concentration of music stores is simply off the charts. Selfridge is the leader among grocery supermarkets, where they bring delicacies from all over the country. You will be pleased not only with the choice, but also with quite affordable prices for the wine list, cheese, smoked sausages and much more.

The Manchester United club store, whose souvenirs are themed, deserves the attention of football fans. Here, without exception, all cups, keychains, magnets and other trinkets are made in the appropriate symbolism. Therefore, if your friends are fans of this football team, there should be no doubt about choosing a gift. The Manchester United paraphernalia and clothing store is a treasure trove of themed magazines, discs, shin guards, balls, T-shirts, boots and caps autographed by current players.

Shopping in Aberdeen

And although shopping tours to Aberdeen are not particularly popular, being in this most beautiful English city, you will truly enjoy shopping. Here, in the surroundings of picturesque wilderness, among ancient castles, museums and golf courses, there are “fish” spots for shopaholics.

When visiting the English city of Aberdeen, go shopping on Union Street, the main shopping street, 1 km long. Here you will find stores with fashionable budget brands (Diesel, Next, Gap, Esprit, Next, Peacocks, Zara, Topman, H&M, Bershka), jewelry and souvenirs. Aberdeen's largest shopping centers: Bon Accord, Trinity, The Academy, St. Nicholas" and "Union Square". Boutiques are usually open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on Sundays. But shopping centers are open seven days a week and close no earlier than 20:00.

Shopping in Bournemouth

Shopping in Bournemouth will not disappoint you either. Its main shopping streets stretch in the city center and along the banks of the Born River. Most often they are pedestrian areas dotted with shops. The Westbourne area (1.5 km west of the center) has a concentration of designer boutiques and interior design shops, while the Boscombe area (1.5 km east) has antique shops and street markets.

Bournemouth shopping centers also have their own peculiarity: they represent not only modern complexes, but also Victorian passages and galleries in this style. The map of “shopping centers in Bournemouth (England)” is also not particularly complicated. Almost all shopping malls are concentrated in the heart of the city. So, in the north side of the center there is “Castlepoint”, and in the south-west there is “Castlemore”.

Shopping in Oxford

The capital of Oxfordshire, Great Britain, cannot be compared with London either. However, once you find yourself here, do not deny yourself some pleasant shopping. High Street is home to expensive designer salons and luxury women's clothing boutiques. You can update your wardrobe much cheaper on Cowley Road or in the Baychester shopping center, where already affordable prices are sweetened by generous discounts.

What to bring from Scotland?

The northern province of Great Britain will melt the indifference of even tourists tempted by earthly beauties. Blue lakes, the highest mountains, the sounds of bagpipes, national plaid skirts and strong whiskey - all this is Scotland, with its history, picturesque nature and a special atmosphere of calm and inspiration. What could be better than combining holidays and shopping in Scotland?

When going shopping, pay attention to goods associated with this particular kingdom. An excellent gift for men would be traditional clothing - a kilt and its accompanying attributes: a belt bag (sporran), a blade, shoes and socks. And although these national outfits will find their use only in the closet, they will always remind you of a trip to the kingdom. Men will also enjoy (both in terms of price and unrivaled taste) Scotch whiskey. In addition, you can taste alcoholic souvenirs from Scotland by visiting the factories that produce the legendary drink.

A win-win gift option is cozy checkered blankets that keep you warm in bad weather and are a sign of Scottish quality. Other cashmere and wool souvenirs from Scotland are also valued: scarves, hats, gloves, shawls, sweaters. Cashmere production dates back to the 18th century and its technology remains unchanged to this day. Thanks to this, cashmere products are soft, thin and do not roll into lint.

Shopping in Edinburgh

And although the capital of Scotland is far from high fashion, it is nevertheless a real paradise for true shopaholics. Shops in Edinburgh offer something for every taste, from designer collections to exquisite masterpieces from Scottish jewelers and works of decorative art. Moreover, if you want to see a variety of assortment in one place, go to the Edinburgh shopping center: Cameron Toll, Ocean Terminal, Fort Kinnaird Retail, Saint James, Princes. Bargain hunters should visit the huge stock center located between the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow - Livingston Designer Outlet.

If you want to combine an excursion program with shopping, go to Princess Street, which offers a stunning view of Edinburgh Castle, and local attractions are adjacent to boutiques of affordable brands (Zara, Gap, Nike, Bershka, H&M ", "Jenners"). One block from Princess Street is George Street, which is no less interesting for shopaholics. Here you can admire dazzling diamonds at Lime Blue, buy exclusive decorative items and household accessories at White Company and choose comfortable, stylish shoes at LK Bennett.

Those who prefer expensive designer collections (Prada, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Armani, Stella McCartney) should definitely visit Multrees Walk and Harvey Nichols in St. Andrews Square. But fashionistas who want to save money on shopping and look fashionable at the same time will have to turn away from the center and walk to Stafford and William Street. And finally, in search of something truly unique and quite cheap, you can look into the upscale second-hand shops of Stockbridge (New Town district).

What to bring from Ireland?

Souvenirs from Ireland are, first of all, what has been produced here for centuries: woolen knitted items, tweed items, lace, crystal and, of course, Irish alcohol (beer, whiskey, liqueur). And now, in order.

Aran sweaters are more than just warm clothing for the inhabitants of the windswept islands. This is a thing with history, because each pattern has both symbolic and practical meaning, defining territorial affiliation. Local markets offer an abundance of Aran sweaters, hats, scarves and rich wool ponchos. No less popular are tweed items and handmade lace products (napkins, tablecloths, scarves).

Don't know what to bring from Ireland for homemakers? Why not Irish crystal? For example, in County Waterford it is still made by hand using old equipment. At the same time, only high-quality products are sold, because products with the slightest defect are immediately disposed of.

If you want to please your beloved woman with jewelry, give her a Claddagh Ring in the shape of hands holding one heart. It symbolizes love and fidelity, and is given as an engagement gift. This ring is associated with a legend about a girl who waited for her lover from slavery and received such a ring as a gift from her returning groom.

Popular souvenirs from Ireland are also vinyl records and discs with national music (folk, bagpipes, flute and tambourine), all kinds of trinkets (from magnets to mugs) with the green Irish shamrock - the main source of inspiration for local craftsmen. And, of course, one cannot fail to mention gifts in glass containers - Baileys cream liqueur, Guinness and Murphy beer, Middleton, Jameson and Bushmills whiskey.

Shopping in Ireland is interesting for different social strata of society, which, as a rule, find mutual interest in the huge Kildare Village shopping mall, located near Dublin. On the territory of a huge stock center, salons of famous couturiers and budget boutiques, international brands and European brands coexist. Shops in Ireland are generally open from 9 am to 6 pm from Monday to Saturday, and on Sundays and holidays from 12 pm to 6 pm. Most shopping centers close later, for example, on Thursdays and Fridays they are open until 20 pm.

When traveling around the UK, do not deny yourself the pleasure of walking through shopping districts, visiting huge complexes and outlets, buying themed souvenirs and simply enjoying the shopping atmosphere.