Where in Scotland to buy stuff?

[Dangerdean]

We'll be spending about three weeks in Scotland, and although we're going for the experience, not the shopping, I'll still want to pick stuff up.

We all know where to buy good stuff by mail-order, but, for instance, if I'm on Lewis and Harris is there anywhere to buy amazing, hand-knit kilt hose directly from the lady who knitted them? Or do I have to wait until I get home and order them through two or three intermediaries?

We'll be in Stirling, Oban (passing through, not sleeping there), Mull, Iona, Fort William, Lewis and Harris, Elgin and Edinburgh.

I'm not looking to pick up a kilt in Scotland, but would conceivably be looking for hose, headwear, sporrans, sgian dubhs...maybe keeping my eye out for used MOD brogues. That kind of thing.

So where are the secret kit stores?

[TheBlackTaylor]

Once in Stirling pay a visit to Alan Waldron from "Stirling Pipes"; he's got vintage bagpipes and may be some other stuff and I bought a sealskin sporran a few years ago at a fair price.

Website and address there: http://www.stirlingbagpipes.com/

Phil

[Cecil]

Hey Dean, I did see a kilt shop in Oban right on the main drag. It was on the corner across from the ferry landing. They also do lots of Tweed. Truthfully I was just a little surprised I could not find more of a sellection in the shops in Scotland. Hope you have better luck then me.

[Phil]

In Edinburgh go to Armstrongs in the Grassmarket. They usually have a good supply of used highlandwear.

[creagdhubh]

Dean,

Hugh Macpherson, Ltd. in Edinburgh and Kinloch-Anderson in Leith (Edinburgh area) would be great stops, mate. The first one especially, since you are a Macpherson!

When will you be leaving?

The annual Clan Macpherson Gathering and Rally in Newtonmore, Inverness-shire is the first weekend in August - coming up! Unfortunately, we will not be attending this year. Since it is rather last minute, I highly recommend attending at least the Newtonmore Highland Games if you are able. There are indeed accomodations in Newtonmore and throughout the surrounding area to include Kingussie, Crubenbeg, Kincraig, Laggan, and Dalwhinnie. Various B&B's, the Duke of Gordon Hotel in Kingussie, and The Glen Hotel - which is directly across the street from the Clan Macpherson Museum and House.

Rooms fill up pretty quickly and usually well in advance during this part of the summer (due to the massive influx of Macphersons), but you may be able to find something. I also recommend Coruisk House, a lovely wee B&B in Kingussie, just three miles north of Newtonmore. Derek and Joan Campbell are gracious hosts...Highland hospitality at its finest! If you are keen on the latter, I can provide contact details and you can tell them that Kyle sent you!

Have fun mate and safe travels "home!"

Creag Dhubh,

[Màrtainn]

In Edinburgh go to Armstrongs in the Grassmarket. They usually have a good supply of used highlandwear.

***
Found my Harris tweed Argyll jacket there! Don't forget to try on things that aren't labeled exactly your size: they're only estimates.

[Nervous Jock]

In Edinburgh go to Armstrongs in the Grassmarket. They usually have a good supply of used highlandwear.

If you accept the fact its a students second hand dressing up shop but yes there are the odd gem in there so worth checking out. There's another Armstrongs on Clark Street too about 1 1/2 miles from the grassmarket