Independent shops

{hb} has all the atmosphere of a club, yet bizarrely lacks books. But don’t feel short-changed – the menus have clever wordplay a-plenty to get literary tongues wagging. Enjoy a brunch, things involving eggs, connoisseur sandwiches, meaty stews and…

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…

Dealer of second-hand modern and antique furniture and bric-a-brac.

So much a Cockburn Street institution that it practically defines the area's identity, this tiny, dark little shop sells legal highs and all the assorted paraphanelia, as well as the odd saucy nurse outfit. Difficult to define, but very much part of the…

White Blossom is a small independent shop stocking a large range of coloured card, beautiful handmade papers and envelopes, Japanese Chiyogami and Thai silk range. This beautiful little boutique in Bruntsfield also has a range of recycled cotton paper…

A boutique selection of new and classic books, with a focus on beautifully designed and illustrated editions. You’ll find a good mix of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, graphic novels and a magical little children’s section at the back, accompanied by a…

A record shop of the old school, One Up is run by music lovers for music lovers. The only independent record store in Aberdeen is stacked with CDs, posters, and signed memorabilia. Boxed sets are a speciality while downstairs is a den of vinyl and…

Fabrick print t-shirts while you wait. They didn't say what you should wait for, but with 300 designs and 25 lettering styles you are sure to be kept busy. Custom print a hoodie, a bags, a t-shirt or even some underwear (clean of course). Prices range…

A unique ghostly gift shop located in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. As well as selling a variety of skulls, witches, dragons and magical fairies, the shop also serves as a booking office for ghostly walking tours that have been a major attraction…

Oh come on, what do you think it sells? Finest, hand-rolled Havana stogies, plus a plentiful supply of pipes and rum from the same people who run Royal Mile Whiskies, so you know they'll take their expertiese seriously. Perfect for the Papa Hemingway in…

Handily situated right in the middle of tourist heaven on the crest of the Mound, this tiny store lays claim to the biggest selection of folk and traditional music in Scotland. Hoots!

Where did you get that hat, old bean? Well, Fabhatrix, actually. Top hats, clôches, trilbies, Scottish felt hats, vintage style, silk wedding hats, red hats, bowlers, straw hats, quirky tweed deerstalkers and feather fascinators …Fabhatrix sells nothing…

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?

Interiors, furniture, wall-hangings, vegan handbags, candles and art deco birthday cards. Oh, and jewellery, Christmas decorations, ceramics, soft furnishings and the occasional ashtray shaped like Chairman Mao's head. The fully comprehensive range of…