Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the occasionally gusty weather in Edinburgh, that's a saying worth keeping in mind.
13 Cowgatehead, Grassmarket.
&
0131/225-9222.
www.fabhatrix.com.
Jewelry
Alistir Wood Tait
This jewelry store has a reputation for Scottish gems and pre-
cious metal such as agates, Scottish gold, garnets, and sapphires. Victorian collec-
tions include “Scottish Pebble” brooches, while contemporary designs include Celtic
bangles and Cairngorm handmade pins.
116A Rose St.
&
0131/225-4105.
www.alistirtaitgem.
co.uk.
Hamilton & Inches
Since 1866, the prestigious Hamilton & Inches has sold
gold and silver jewelry, porcelain and silver, and gift items. The company workshop
is located above the shop, producing limited-production pieces or custom-made
jewelry. The watch selection is second only to Bond Street, London.
87 George St.
&
0131/225-4898.
www.hamiltonandinches.com.
Kilts & Tartans
Anta
Some of the most stylish tartans, especially cool minikilts and silk
eara-
saids
(oversize scarves) for women, are found at Anta. Woolen blankets and throws
are woven from Shetland sheep wool.
Crocket's Land, 91-93 West Bow.
&
0131/225-4616.
www.anta.co.uk.
Geoffrey (Tailor) Kiltmakers
Past customers have included Sean Connery,
Charlton Heston, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, members of Scotland's rugby team, and
Mel Gibson (who apparently favors the “Hunting Buchanan” tartan). It stocks 200
of Scotland's best-known clan patterns and is revolutionizing the kilt by creating
so-called “21st-century kilts” in different patterns such as pinstripe.
57-59 High St.
&
0131/557-0256.
www.geoffreykilts.co.uk.
Hector Russell
Bespoke clothes made from tartan can be ordered from this well-
known Highland-based kiltmaker, with a shop on the Royal Mile and Princes Street.
137-141 High St.
&
0131/558-1254.
www.hector-russell.com.
James Pringle Weavers
The Leith mills produce a large variety of wool items,
including cashmere sweaters, tartan and tweed ties, travel rugs, tweed hats, and
tam-o'-shanters caps. In addition, it boasts a clan ancestry center with a database
containing more than 50,000 family names. There's an outlet on the Royal Mile, as
well.
70-74 Bangor Rd., Leith.
&
0131/553-5161.
Knits & Woolens
Bill Baber
This workshop turns out adaptations of traditional Scottish patterns
for both men and women. Expect to find traditional knits spiced up with strands of
Caribbean-inspired turquoise or aqua; rugged-looking sweaters suitable for treks
through the moors; and dressy tailored jackets for women.
66 Grassmarket.
&
0131/225-
3249.
www.billbaber.com.
Ragamuffin
The staff here sells what is termed “wearable art,” created by some
150 designers from all over the U.K. The apparel here is unique. Well, nearly: Raga-
muffin also has a shop way up north on the Isle of Skye.
276 Canongate, The Royal Mile.
&
0131/557-6007.
www.ragamuffinonline.co.uk.
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