When most people think of shopping in Edinburgh, they think of whisky, cashmere, and kilts (usually in that order). These items are still some of the best buys in this picturesque city, but forget about stuffy twin sets or traditional tartan. Edinburgh's top designers are turning wool and tweed into stylish handbags and accessories, and the newest kilts are made from very untraditional materials such as leather, PVC and denim. Compact but hilly, Edinburgh is a breeze to shop in as long as you bring a good pair of walking shoes and the all important overcoat for dealing with any downpours. 

Ness

For a traditional Scottish gift with a twist, head to Ness. This little shop specializes in contemporary knitwear. The best bets are boiled wool bags, striped scarves, gloves and wool hot water bottle covers. Ness also has a terrific range of handbags made from Harris Tweed (check for the Harris Tweed Orb trademark).

Ness
336-340 Lawnmarket
Edinburgh
EH1 2PH
Phone: +44 (0)131 226 5227
www.nessbypost.com

Geoffrey (Tailor) Kiltmaker

When Robbie Williams and Vin Diesel needed kilts with a twist, they turned to Geoffrey (Tailor) Kiltmaker. Howie Nicklesby designs the company's 21st Century Kilt range, offering kilts made in silk, PVC, denim and leather. If you're in the market for something more traditional, don't worry. Geoffrey (Tailor) has its own tartan weaving mill and offers every style and cut imaginable. The shop also has kilts for hire, and orders can be placed from around the world.

Geoffrey (Tailor) Kiltmaker
57-59 High Street
Edinburgh
Phone: +44 (0)131 557 0256
www.geoffreykilts.co.uk

Belinda Robertson

Dubbed Scotland's cashmere queen, Belinda Robertson is where Madonna and Sharon Stone shop for the finest cashmere garments. Roberston's other claim to fame is that she gave the world the cashmere thong, but not everything comes with a celebrity size price tag. Her White Label collection provides more affordable options in the same great colours and designs. If the Scottish weather is proving particularly inclement stay warm with her signature range of cashmere underwear. 

Belinda Roberston
13a Dundas Street
Edinburgh
Tel: + 44 (0)131 557 8118
Open Monday to Friday 9.30am - 6.00pm
Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 12 noon- 5pm (seasonal)
www.belindarobertson.com

Jenners

Jenners is perhaps the reason why Edinburgh's shopping scene sorely lagged behind Glasgow's  (it's arch rival to the west). One of the oldest department stores in the UK, Jenners stocks just about everything you could possibly need, and then some. But with competition from smaller stores and the arrival of Harvey Nichols in St. Andrews Square, Jenners has had to pick up the pace lately and some of the collections can be a bit staid. The department store is worth a stop though, even if its just to admire the Victorian architecture.

Jenners
48 Princes Street
Edinburgh
Phone: +44 (0)131 225 2442
Open Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 6:00pm (late opening on Tuesday morning at 9:30am, late night Thursday open till 8:00pm), Sunday 11:00am - 5:00pm
www.jenners.com

Royal Mile Whiskies Shop and The Cigar Box

Apart from cashmere, the other must-buy in Scotland is whisky. The Royal Mile Whiskies shop has one of the biggest selections of whisky in the city and the patient staff will guide you through tastings of single malts, blends and liqueurs. If you're looking for a companion to your dram, check out their sister shop The Cigar Box just two doors down for a fantastic range of Cuban cigars.

Royal Mile Whiskies
379 High Street
Edinburgh
Phone: + 44 (0)131 225 3383
Open Monday to Saturday 10:00am - 6:00pm, Sunday 12:30pm - 6:00pm (open till 8pm all days from July to mid-September)
www.royalmilewhiskies.com
(There is also an outpost on Bloomsbury Street in London)

Demijohn

Calling itself a “liquid deli,” the Demijohn store offers visitors the chance to sample dozens of vinegars, wines, olive oils and single malt whiskies. A wide range of uniquely Scottish products including Moniack Sloe Liqueur, Blackwood Vintage Gin (from Shetland) and Perthshire Fruit Vinegar's are available. Visitors get to select bottle design as everything is bottled in store.

Demijohn
32 Victoria Street
Edinburgh
Phone: +44 (0)131 225 3265
Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm; Sun: 12:30pm-5pm
www.demijohn.co.uk

Pam Jenkins

Although Edinburgh's cobblestoned streets can wreck heels, there's still no excuse not to have a great pair of shoes. Edinburgh's smart set shops at Pam Jenkins for some of the best designer shoes and accessories from Jimmy Choo, Kate Spade, Emma Hope, Chloe, and Christian Louboutin. 

Pam Jenkins
41 Thistle St
Edinburgh
Phone: +44 (0)131 225 3242
www.pamjenkins.co.uk

Jane Davidson

Got the shoes and need an outfit to go with them? Just a few doors down from Pam Jenkins is Jane Davidson. Housed on three floors of a Georgian townhouse, this family-owned store stocks leading designers including Missoni, Diane Von Furstenberg, Roland Mouret, Ben de Lisi and Colette Dinnigan.

Jane Davidson
52 Thistle Street
Edinburgh
Phone: +44 (0)131 225 3280
www.janedavidson.co.uk

Edinburgh Crystal

Rivaling Waterford and Dartington Crystal is the Scottish company Edinburgh Crystal. Founded in 1867, the company produces a range of both traditional and contemporary crystal stemware and accessories, and is always a favourite among brides-to-be. Each collection is named for something Scottish, including Tain, Skibo and Orrin. At the visitor's centre just outside of Edinburgh, bargain shoppers can snap up crystal at up to 70% off retail prices.

Edinburgh Crystal
Eastfield
Penicuik
Phone: +44 (0)1968 675128
www.edinburgh-crystal.co.uk

Corniche

Need a fashion fix? Head to Corniche, which stocks Katherine Hamnett, Yohji Yamamoto and Comme des Garçons, as well as Betsey Johnson, Natalie Garcon, and Maharishi.

Corniche
2-4 Jeffrey Street
Edinburgh
Phone: +44 (0)131 556 3707

Ian J. Mellis Cheese

Ian J. Mellis is one of Scotland's finest cheesemongers. The shop stocks cheeses from Scotland and abroad. Try the Bishop Kennedy, an unpasteurised cheese named after a 15th century bishop of St Andrews. The rind is smothered in whisky during the maturing stage, or for milder palates, try the Isle of Mull cheddar.

Ian J. Mellis
30a Victoria Street
Edinburgh
Phone: +44 (0)131 226 6215
www.ijmellischeesemonger.com

Wall

The design ethos behind Wall clothing is beautiful clothing in forgiving shapes. Originally launched in London's Notting Hill, Wall clothes are made from the most luxurious fabrics, including Peruvian pima cotton, pure Irish linen, silky alpaca and super fine vicuna (which is billed as the most expensive fabric in the world).

Wall
58 George Street
Edinburgh
Phone: +44 (0)131 225 7225
www.wall-london.com

Georgian Antiques

There are no shortage of antique shops in Edinburgh but with a 50,000 square feet showroom Georgian Antiques can claim to be the biggest. With all that space they still manage to stock the old warehouse to the rafters with antique furniture and interesting objects including historical golfing items. So whether you're after an 18th century chest of drawers or an original Mashie Niblick be sure check out their Leith showroom. They can also help with shipping your purchases back home.

10 Pattison Street
Leith Links
Edinburgh
EH6 7HF
Phone: +44 (0)131 553 7286
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 to 17:30 and Saturdays 10:00 to 14:00
www.georgianantiques.net