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• by:
• Sawyers, June Skinner

Named the top shopping destination in the United Kingdom outside of London, “Glasgow is a must-see destination…a mandatory stop on everyone’s European travel itinerary” (The Philadelphia Inquirer) and Edinburgh has long been considered one of the most hospitable cities in Europe. This book has eleven walks–-seven in Edinburgh and four in Glasgow–-taking shoppers to the most charming and unique stores in both cities, which are less than an hour away from each other by train.

The shops included offer cashmere, hats, shoes, books, handcrafted soaps and natural botanicals inspired by Scotland (Treasure Island is a heady mix of musk, lemon, and cinnamon inspired by the Robert Louise Stevenson classic), single malt whiskies, purses, the best of British home design, and jewelry using Scottish gemstones. There are shops that specialize in traditional foods (farmhouse cheeses, toffee, shortbread, and lemon curd). There’s a “glorious mess of an antique shop,” a “kilt maker for the 21st century” who uses fabrics that range from denim to leather and whose customers include Sean Connery, and many more establishments, both new and historic.

Old businesses aren’t included simply for being old, but for continuing to offer goods of beauty and quality; new businesses are chosen because they operate in an old-fashioned way, with an emphasis on service and craftsmanship. Some are elegant and refined, some offer on quirky twists on classic themes, but each is stylish and without pretense. One shop owner says her boutique attracts the “discerning and determinedly different.”

The guide also includes restaurants, pubs, and cafés along the walks, and has an entire section devoted to the stunning tearooms of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Edinburgh farmer’s market.

Sumptuous color photos throughout give a sneak preview of the shops and their offerings, and the address, phone number, opening days and hours, and website of each establishment are included for extra convenience.