Shopping in Edinburgh.

     Shopping is one of those strange occupations that lead one to wonder whether men and women are really the same species. For those who, like me, only want to buy a few souvenirs quickly and then get on with enjoying themselves, I would recommend a quick tour of the top end of the High Street where there are several shops covering the range from cheap and gaudy to pricy but tasteful. These people can now leave the rest of this page to those with a deeper interest in the ancient art of the re-distribution of wealth.
     Souvenir shoppers are probably best catered for by combining a sightseeing walk down the Royal Mile with some window gazing, taking note of which shops seem to be most worth re-visiting for a closer examination. There are also some interesting shops in Princes Street, Rose Street and the Grassmarket/Victoria Street area.
     A special mention should perhaps be made here regarding four particular types of popular souvenir of Scotland - Food, Whisky, Tartan and Edinburgh Crystal.

Food. The foods which are most associated with Scotland are, of course, Haggis, Salmon (usually smoked), Shortbread and Porridge. There are others, with Kippers, Venison, Grouse and Cheeses well worth a mention and for the sweet toothed among us Edinburgh Rock must be included!
Whisky. There are several shops in Edinburgh which specialise in selling fine Whisky, and well worth a visit they are! But, even if you don't have time to go North to visit the Highland distilleries, there is one distillery within easy reach of Edinburgh - Glenkinchie, which is just outside of Pencaitland, a small village about 30 minutes from the city. They run tours around the distillery and are only too pleased to sell you examples of their work.
The only problem is getting there, public transport doesn't go right to the distillery so car, or of course taxi, is the only practical answer.
Tartan. Again, there are several shops in Edinburgh which specialise in selling Tartan goods and Scottish knitwear, and again they are well worth checking out, but I would particularly mention Pringles, who are very well known for their sweaters in particular. Pringles have a direct sales outlet at Leith Mills in Bangor Road, and in case you are wondering why I mention them in particular, they have an arrangement with all the major hotels - if you have a word with the hotel porters they will arrange a taxi to the store and the fare is paid by Pringles, it doesn't matter whether or not you buy anything, they figure that once you see their range of stock you'll spend enough to recoup the fare. While on the subject of Cloth, I should also mention the excellent Tweeds and Cashmere goods available.
Edinburgh Crystal. Yet again, there are several shops in Edinburgh which sell Edinburgh Crystal, but if you want to see the full range and also tour the factory where it's made, you need to go to Penicuik (penny-cook) a few miles South of Edinburgh. The firm has a deal for customers whereby, if you get a taxi from Edinburgh you pay the taxi-driver and get a receipt and they will refund the cost against the price of any Crystal you buy. The drawbacks of course are that if you decide not to buy anything you don't get your money back from the taxi-driver (no chance!), so check out the crystal in the shops first to see that you really intend to buy (the factory shop is cheaper) and the other drawback is that you have to pay your own way back.