Shopping for Gifts in Edinburgh

For tartan tack go to the top end of the Royal Mile. Those wishing to hire a kilt, or have one made, should try McCalls of the Royal Mile, at 11 High St, Tel: 5573979, or Kinloch Anderson, on the corner of Dock St and Commercial St, Leith, Tel: 5551390.

There's also Hector Russell, on the High St and on Princes St.

Woollens

Also The Cashmere Store, 2 St Giles St, Tel: 2254055, and Number Two, 2 St Stephen Place, Tel: 2256257.

Something a bit different

Those looking for something a bit different should check out Round the World, at 82 West Bow, Tel: 2257086, and 15 North West Circus Pl, Tel: 2257800, or Eden, at 37-39 Cockburn St, Tel: 2203372.

There are a few interesting shops in Raeburn Place, such as Blackadder Gallery, at number 5, Tel: 3324605.

Crystal Clear 52 Cockburn Street, Old Town (226 7888) This shop is a good place to look for CD's books and various other ephemera offering some measure of spiritual guidance. Open- Mon-Sat 1000-1800, Sun noon-1700.

Flux 55, Bernard Street, Leith (554 4075) Right place to look for quirky British made crafts, along with that one can also get a wide range of gifts, art pieces and jewellery. Open- Mon-Sat 1100-1800, Sun noon-1700. Web- http://www.get2flux.co.uk

One World Shop St.John's Chruch, Princess Street (229 4541) If you are looking for crafts, toys, textiles, and food then this is the right place to stop at in the Pricess Street. Open- Mon-Wed 1000-1700, Thur 1000-1900. Web- http://www.oneworldshop.co.uk

Russian Shop 18, St Mary's Street, Old Town (556 0181) Stocks a wide variety of decorative items and especially known for Russian dolls this shop sells. Open- Mon-Sat 1000- 1700.

Jewellery

Try Hamilton and Inches, 87 George Street, Tel: 225 4898, open Mon-Fri 0930-1750, Sat 0930-1700.

Scotland Shop 18-20, High Street, Old Town (557 0181) The right shop to look for Celtic jewellery and other variety of things. Open summer- Mon-Sat 0900-2000, winter Mon-Sat 1000-1800. Web-http://www.scotlandshopdirect.com