Independent shops

Laid-back store stocking everything your average skater needs: spray paint by Monstercolors and MTN, skate stuff and obscure Japanese T-shirt labels. Sick.

Unique, design-led and thoroughly creative South Side florist prone to creating unusual arrangements.

Cracking little shop in the heart of Leith. Although it sells Scottish crafts, don't think for a second it's the same sort of tartan tat you'd find in the tourist zones. They also come with a splendid all-ethical produce guarantee.

Skate and street wear for the boys, with labels like Stussy and Nike, Skullcandy headphones and Nixon watches; also stocks an excellent range of DVDs and is, like, the only place to go to get a new deck for your wheels. Right?

Located behind Waverley train station, this world-class gallery showcases work by many of the leading names in contemporary art. An all-glass frontage allows passing pedestrians to observe the lower level of the gallery beyond the bookshop and café, and…

In the heart of Edinburgh's old town, Golden Hare bookshop stocks a beautiful and hand-picked selection of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, graphic novels and children's books. We specialise in illustrated and beautifully produced books. These are…

Independent shop and exhibition space featuring carefully selected lighting, furniture and home accessories, often by local designers, plus the option of a commissioning service.

The window displays at this lovely wee indie florists are legendary on Byres Road, particularly around Valentines Day.

Seriously gorgeous selection of top-end vintage accessories and shoes hang alongside a carefully selected, colour-coded range of 1950s-1980s fashions. The very best place to lay hands on retro sunglasses, diamante hat pins and patent stilettos.

In 2005, at the Scottish Parliament, the Dalai Lama told Reka Gawa: ‘Don't forget you’re Tibetan; keep the culture alive.’ She had long dreamed of opening a shop, and in 2007, inspired by his words, she did so: the photo of their meeting hangs proudly…

Muso paradise indeed. This grungy second-hand store is full of rare CDs and DVDs, collectable box sets and T-shirts. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, the windows are crammed with rarities, and there's a great trade-in policy.

Little sister to Kelvinbridge institution Felix and Oscar, and an essential stop for trendy WEndies hunting Cath Kidston chintz or Orla Kiely handbags. They also do nice lines in tongue-in-cheek pressies, Alessi kitchenware, and non-cutesy kids' fashion.

The boutique formerly known as ‘Thrift Chic’ has renamed and offers a range of women’s clothing and lingerie from top American brands not to be found in the UK. Plus a small collection of ‘gently-used designer clothing’.