Scotland Shopping and nightlife

Shopping in Scotland

There is a great variety of shops in every Scottish city and town. In addition, seasonal markets and fairs are held across the country.

For a uniquely Scottish shopping destination, check out Hawick and West Kilbride. Hawick is a border town in southeast Scotland and the 'Home of Tweed', where textile mills turn wool into cashmere and tweed products sold locally and internationally. West Kilbride, a village in North Ayrshire 53km (33mi) southwest of Glasgow, is Scotland's first designated Craft Town where local artisans create and sell their wares along the Main Street.

If you're shopping for quality whisky, visit any of Scotland's five whisky regions, namely Campbeltown, Highlands, Islay, Lowland and Speyside.

Shopping hours

Shops in Scotland are not subjected to trading hours restrictions like their counterparts in England and Wales. Most shops in the cities usually open from 0900-1800, Monday to Saturday, with reduced hours on Sundays.

Nightlife in Scotland

Glasgow and Edinburgh have an abundance of pubs, live music venues and performance theatres. Elsewhere, the nightlife is a more subdued affair with locals and visitors congregating at small pubs enjoying a pint or a wee (small) dram of whisky.