Accessory shopping in Scotland

**Sir William** · 22nd March 12, 06:08 PM

Anyone have any suggestions on good shops in Scotland for unique sporrans, kilt pins or hose?

I thought I might see what I could find that isn't the usual mass-produced stuff when I visit in April.

I'll basically be in the areas of Edinburgh, Stirling, Pitlochry, Fort William, and Skye.

**Blackrose87** · 22nd March 12, 06:13 PM

I'd check out Armstrongs in Edinburgh. There's shops in the grassmarket, on Nicholson street and just off forest road. They sell second hand and vintage clothes, but they have quite a lot of kilts, jackets and accessories. The one in the grassmarket is probably the best.

**Downunder Kilt** · 22nd March 12, 06:16 PM

This is a shop that Matt Newsome recommended a while back as makers of sporrans. From memory, it appears that they occasionally have functioning brass cantles available.
http://www.manacraft.co.uk/aboutus.html

**ForresterModern** · 24th March 12, 05:03 AM

While in St Andrews a couple years back I went in two small kilt shops named Kirk Wynd Highland House that carried a small but quality selection of nice accessories, including a couple beautiful black wolf full mask sporrans that were unfortunately a bit outside my price range. Regardless, I still regret to this day having NOT bought one when I had the chance despite the price.

Fair winds on your trip, and happy accessory hunting.

**artificer** · 24th March 12, 05:55 AM

Originally Posted by Sir William

Anyone have any suggestions on good shops in Scotland for unique sporrans, kilt pins or hose?

I thought I might see what I could find that isn't the usual mass-produced stuff when I visit in April.

I'll basically be in the areas of Edinburgh, Stirling, Pitlochry, Fort William, and Skye.

If you are shopping for animal product (bone, horn, fur) be sure that your invoice/sales receipt is clearly marked with the species of animal it's taken from. It will aid in any customs issues that may arise.

Pix of your treasures upon return, yes?

ith:

**creagdhubh** · 24th March 12, 06:39 AM

Ian Grant in Edinburgh, Roddy Young in Inverness, Stewart-Christie in Edinburgh, Chisolms in Inverness, Garth Duncan in Skye, Kate Macpherson in Beauly, Kinloch-Anderson in Leith, McRostie's in Glasgow and Hugh Macpherson's in Edinburgh, for starters.

Best of luck and have fun shopping!

Cheers,

**creagdhubh** · 24th March 12, 06:42 AM

Originally Posted by artificer

If you are shopping for animal product (bone, horn, fur) be sure that your invoice/sales receipt is clearly marked with the species of animal it's taken from. It will aid in any customs issues that may arise.

Pix of your treasures upon return, yes?

ith:

Great point, Scott. And if you decide to purchase a animal mask sporran, it should come with the appropriate licence.

Cheers,

**Sir William** · 24th March 12, 09:53 AM

Originally Posted by artificer

If you are shopping for animal product (bone, horn, fur) be sure that your invoice/sales receipt is clearly marked with the species of animal it's taken from. It will aid in any customs issues that may arise.

Pix of your treasures upon return, yes?

Thanks for the reminder. As a general rule, I tend to avoid animal product purchases when abroad as I'm never certain what customs will be in the mind to approve or disapprove. But there is always the chance I'll see the perfect fur sporran that I can't live without (and yes, I know about seal).

**Sir William** · 24th March 12, 09:56 AM

Originally Posted by creagdhubh

Ian Grant in Edinburgh, Roddy Young in Inverness, Stewart-Christie in Edinburgh, Chisolms in Inverness, Garth Duncan in Skye, Kate Macpherson in Beauly, Kinloch-Anderson in Leith, McRostie's in Glasgow and Hugh Macpherson's in Edinburgh, for starters.

Best of luck and have fun shopping!

Cheers,

Thanks. I'll look them up and find their addresses. Won't be near Inverness or Glasgow this trip.

**artificer** · 24th March 12, 10:00 AM

Originally Posted by Sir William

Thanks for the reminder. As a general rule, I tend to avoid animal product purchases when abroad as I'm never certain what customs will be in the mind to approve or disapprove. But there is always the chance I'll see the perfect fur sporran that I can't live without (and yes, I know about seal).

Seal is covered by the US Marine Mammals Protection Act, other species you should be concerned about can be found at:

http://www.cites.org/gallery/species...l/mammals.html

and this one covers the FULL list, including "look-alike" species you should be careful of.
http://www.cites.org/eng/app/index.php. They can be found in the appendices links near the top of the page.

Additionally, as Kyle pointed out, there are certain species that will require a UK specific license which would not be listed here (potentially at-risk native species, or possibly those requiring a hunting license to take). Although I'd imagine any reputable retailer will have their info in order.

ith: