Discover Scotland’s Best Independent Shops Worth Travelling For - Made Scotland

Discover Scotland’s Best Independent Shops Worth Travelling For

Sep 08, 2024Alexandra Borthwick

If you're passionate about finding unique, high-quality Scottish-made products, this guide is perfect for you.

At Made Scotland I understand how increasing numbers of us want to shop more sustainably and support local makers. While my online store brings over 60 incredible Scottish brands to your fingertips, there's something special about visiting independent shops in person.

For those who love a road trip and the thrill of discovering hidden gems, I’ve compiled a list of my 10 must-visit independent stores across Scotland. These shops offer everything from handcrafted gifts to sustainable fashion and homewares, making them well worth the journey. And you get some beautiful Scottish scenery along the way!

 

FABRIK, CRAIL

A haven for contemporary design lovers, Fabrik sells Scottish-made homeware clothing and accessories, focusing on sustainability and craftsmanship. It’s run by skilled maker Vanessa Bullick who creates a dizzying array of products, from beautiful ceramics, colourful to knitwear and a fantastic range of oilskin bags.

www.fabrikshop.co.uk

 

ANTA SCOTLAND, FEARN

This beautiful shop, beside the ANTA factory in Fearn, near Tain in the Highlands, blends traditional Scottish craftsmanship with modern design. Their beautiful stoneware, textiles and furniture are iconic. I have just visited the shop after years of buying from ANTA and the whole experience is wonderful, right down to the gallery feel of the shop and the wee coffee bar.

www.anta.co.uk

 

PETRA PALUMBO, BEAULY

Petra Palumbo offers a curated selection of sustainable homewares and hand-painted glassware, combining vintage aesthetics with eco-friendly design. I particularly love her quirky painted Delft tiles and the shop itself is a beautifully curated space, on an attractive corner plot in picturesque Beauly.

www.petrapalumbo.com

 

CAMPBELLS OF BEAULY, BEAULY

Another Beauly shop, but this one opened in 1858 and is about authentic Scottish tweed and traditional tailoring. The shop’s interior is stunning and historic, like stepping back in time. I’d go for the I’d go here for the excellent knitwear especially the top quality Scottish Fair Isle jumpers, they’re so well made and beautiful.

www.campbellsofbeauly.com

 

HEATHER MCDERMOTT JEWELLERY, CALLANDER

The best shop in Callander (though the bread shop Mhor Bread comes a close second). Once there were only touristy craft shops, now we have this, a beautiful gallery-like space showcasing artist and designer Heather’s jewellery and art. Her work is inspired by the natural textures of the Isle of Skye and features handcrafted pieces in stainless steel and silver. She stocks other produce, from artisanal soap to ceramics.

www.heathermcdermott.co.uk

 

ERIBE, MELROSE

Known for luxury knitwear, Scottish Borders based Eribe blends traditional Scottish patterns with contemporary designs using top quality wool. Their jumpers, hats, scarves and so on are skillfully made and come in an exciting array of bright, fun colours.

www.eribe.com

 

MAINSTREET TRADING CO, ST BOSWELLS

This collection of converted buildings in a sweet Scottish Borders village is a true cultural hub. The main draw is the bookshop which is a lovely space where staff are always there to help, the café is the perfect place to dip into your new books. There’s also a  great deli with an excellent cheese selection (lots of Scottish cheeses) and very well curated homeware shop. It’s always worth the visit.

www.mainstreetbooks.co.uk

 

JOHNSONS OF ELGIN, ELGIN

They’ve been making textiles in Scotland for 200 years and hey’re as good as ever. Luxurious cashmere and woollen products. This is really high end produce but for an experience of a luxury Scottish brand, this shop is the place to find it.

www.johnstonsofelgin.com

 

ÒR, PORTREE

A curated selection of beautiful homeware, ceramics and textiles all with a focus on high quality Scottish craftsmanship, in the pretty harbour town of Portree on Skye.

www.orportree.com

 

Support Scotland’s Independent Makers

Visiting these fantastic independent shops across Scotland is a great way to discover unique, high-quality products that reflect the creativity and craftsmanship of local makers.

Each one offers something special, and by supporting them, you're helping to preserve Scotland’s rich artisan traditions and embrace more sustainable shopping habits. 

But if you can’t make it to these locations in person, Made Scotland brings the best of Scotland’s sustainable, independent brands straight to your home. With over 60 local makers all in one place, you can continue to shop consciously, support small businesses, and find beautifully crafted gifts without the need to travel.

Explore my collection today at Made Scotland and keep the spirit of Scottish craftsmanship alive, wherever you are.

 

 



More articles