Buy the Best Souvenir from Scotland: 10 Ideas and Tips

Scotland knows how to work all their souvenir bases from classic Scottish clothing, to food and drinks, cute animals, and TONS of TV and movie references. But just because it’s Scottish, doesn’t mean you need to bring it back as a souvenir from your trip.

I spent a month living in Edinburgh discovering all the local finds to the iconic souvenirs from Scotland you’ll actually use at home, and give you a nice reminder of your trip. Here are my top 10 Scottish souvenir ideas!

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

What Is The Best Souvenir From Scotland?

The best souvenir from Scotland will ultimately depend on your interests, but you want to be able to use it at home and have it still remind you of your trip years later. You don’t want your Scottish souvenir sitting in the back of your closet gathering dust, until you eventually throw it out.

These next souvenir ideas from Scottish do exactly that; you can wear them, display them as art, or put them to good use in the house!

P.S. Find out what makes a good travel souvenir that you won’t regret buying.

1. Local Hairy Coo Art

When I say I wanted to bring everything home from Scotland, it’s really because of all the hairy coo Scotland souvenirs I found.

Hairy coos are the local name for highland cows in Scotland. These are true born and bred Scottish cattle that are able to withstand the harsh Scottish Highland weather.

When I first saw a picture of these huge beasts, with their long, luscious hair covering their eyes, I immediately fell in love. And turns out, I’m not alone…

I was shocked by the sheer amount of hairy coo souvenirs. They had everything hairy coo themed, from magnets, key rings, to mugs, and little stuffed hairy coos for kids… you name it, they have it! So needless to say, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding hairy coo souvenirs from Scotland.

P.S. Not interested in having Highland cow themed art in your house, pick up Loch Ness Monster (nicknamed Nessie) themed souvenirs instead! They both represent Scotland in their own way!

Where To Buy Hairy Coo Souvenirs From Scotland: Buy Local

The trick to buying the best Hairy coo (or Loch Ness) souvenir from Scotland is to keep your eye out for local artwork. Every artist has their own interpretation of these majestic slow-moving beasts, so find an artist that speaks to you.

Hairy coo art came in many different forms as well. I found not only prints, but coasters, tea towels, and calendars with local art on it.

If you’re looking for Scotland souvenirs in Edinburgh, my personal favourite artist is Roy Anstey,  who managed to give the coos a personality of their own! 

You can find him set up at the Waverley Market (above the train station) everyday except for Saturday in Edinburgh. Don’t worry, if you’re there on Saturday, that just means he’ll be at the Grassmarket for the day. You can also check his schedule (scroll down to see the calendar), he travels throughout Scotland to different markets as well.

You can also find some neat local hairy coo art at the Mary King’s Close gift shop in Warrinston’s Close (also known as the Royal Exchange Coffee House).

You might also be interested in: the best places to spot Hairy coo near Edinburgh!

2. Iconic Souvenirs Of Scotland: Something Tartan

If you know one thing about Scotland, it’s probably that they’re the land of tartan! In fact, did you know that each tartan pattern represents a unique Scottish clan!? So you can’t leave without bringing home at least one tartan souvenir from Scotland. 

The best tartan item to buy in Scotland is something that you can use during your vacation, but also when you’re back home (so I wouldn’t recommend buying a kilt, unless you think you’ll be able to pull it off outside of Scotland!). Instead, buy a tartan scarf, hat, or even tartan printed umbrella.

If you’re able to, leave room in your luggage to bring back a warm tartan wool blanket from Scotland. But if you don’t have the luggage space, you can still order one online.

Tips For Buying Tartan Scarves In Scotland

Buying a tartan scarf in Scotland is easier said than done… they come in many prints, fabrics, and prices. For example, tartan scarves can be polyester, lambswool, even cashmere, and be anywhere from £5 to £100.

Polyester will be the cheapest option, then the lambswool, and finally cashmere will be the most expensive. Personally, I don’t find lambswool to be that comfortable though (I find the material can irritate my skin).

When you’re looking at cashmere, the price can range from £50 to over £100. This is where you really have to watch out. The cheaper tartan cashmere scarves are really short and might even be made overseas, to save on costs. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, you can find a cashmere tartan scarf that’s a normal length and actually made in Scotland.

To know that you’re buying a Scottish brand, you’ll want to buy are either Balmoral or Dunedin Cashmere. They’re expensive brands, but they’ll last, and you know they were made in Scotland! I’ve already had my Cashmere scarf from Dunedin for 5 years now and it still looks brand new!

3. Buy Something Tweed In Scotland

Scotland isn’t only about clan tartans, but also tweed. Tweed is a woollen fabric that originated from Scotland in the 1700s, and today it’s become a staple autumn style. 

While in Scotland, pick up some Harris Tweed to enhance your wardrobe. They sell clothing, fall accessories, and even purses and wallets! The Harris Tweed hats were a huge hit in my family. Both my partner and dad bought one and they never took them off while touring Scotland, and love wearing them back home in the fall. Plus, they added a nice Scottish flair to all our pictures from out trip!

There’s a Harris Tweed store on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, but they also sell their products at both Balmoral or Dunedin Cashmere shops.

Pro Tip: For a really unique tweed souvenir from Scotland, you can make your own Harris Tweed® handbag bag. It’s both an activity and a souvenir that no one else will have! The Islander Workshop Experience has a few locations in Edinburgh, and one in St. Andrews.

4. Scotch Whisky

Scotch Whisky is a very popular souvenir from Scotland, but if you are interested in Whisky from Scotland, I recommend doing a bit of research beforehand…

For starters, make sure you can actually bring it back in your suitcase (are you checking your luggage?), but also confirm your countries alcohol allowance. Every country has a limit on how many bottles of alcohol you can bring back.

Then if you’ve found a Scotch you want, double check that you can’t actually find it in your home town (you’d be surprised how many brands are exported internationally today). I was also surprised that sometimes the whisky was even cheaper to buy in Canada than Scotland.

P.S. Interested learning more about Scotch Whisky? Scotch is a huge part of Scotland’s culture. If you want to learn more about Scotch Whisky and taste some before buying, book a tour all about whisky in Edinburgh.

Pro Tip: Buy Whisky From Independent Bottlers

To find a Scotch you can only buy in Scotland, look for independent bottlers. These don’t even exist in North America. In Scotland, some distilleries will sell entire casks for companies to bottle themselves, these are known as independent bottlers. The Scotch will then usually be aged for even longer, and more importantly, bottled it at cask strength!

When you buy whisky, it’s typically around 40% alcohol because they’ve added water. Cask strength whisky isn’t diluted, so it’s closer to 60% alcohol. So buying from independent bottlers gives you the chance to taste whiskies at cask strength and water it down to your liking. You won’t be able to find these back home, that’s for sure!

Here’s a more in-depth explanation of why you should buy from an independent bottler in Scotland.

Where To Find Independent Bottlers In Edinburgh?

The most popular independent bottler in Scotland is Cadenhead’s, and they have a location in Edinburgh. Cadenhead’s, on the Royal Mile, is the oldest independent bottler in Scotland. They’re very knowledgeable and helpful, ask them anything you like about whisky! 

They also offer whisky tastings, so you can try the whisky first and then buy the one you like best! I guarantee you won’t be able to find this Scotch whisky anywhere else!

Whisky Add-Ons To Buy In Scotland!

If you’re travelling in a carry-on, or can’t bring back whisky from Scotland, don’t worry there are way more whisky accessories you can buy instead! There’s no shortage of cute flasks you can choose from (a Harris Tweed hip flask perhaps?).

Or better yet, bring back a Glencairn glass from your favourite distillery. A Glencairn glass is the optimal glass to taste and drink whisky from and it was invented in Scotland! Some distilleries will even give you a mini one included in your tour price (like Dalwhinnie). The Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh also includes a full-size Glencairn glass in your ticket price.

5. Scottish Gin

Scotland is not longer just the country of Scotch whisky. Over the last few years, there has been a rise in gin distilleries in Scotland because distilling gin is actually a gateway to distilling whisky. The first process of distilling gin and whisky are the same and uses the same equipment.

The difference comes in the ageing process. You have to age whisky for at least 3 years, whereas gin is ready right away. So there are a lot of new Scotland distilleries popping up selling gin, while they wait for their whisky to age. 

So if you’re not into whisky, you’re in luck; you can bring back some gin from Scotland instead!

Which Scottish Gin To Buy?

If you’re in Edinburgh, you can buy local Edinburgh gin from Edinburgh Gin, they have a wee shop (and you can even sign up for a distillery tour as well!). 

Or, if you’re in town on a Sunday, head to Stockbridge market where might find the Eden Mills St. Andrews booth. They have samples that you can try before you buy!

6. Scottish Tea Blends To Bring Back

You’re in the U.K. where it’s all about tea, and Scotland is no exception! Like England and Ireland, Scotland has its own breakfast blend: Scottish Breakfast. It’s a blend of several black teas meant to enjoy with breakfast (especially if you like milk in your tea). 

If you’re a sceptic (as I am), it’s not called Scottish breakfast simply because it’s sold in Scotland. It’s actually a different blend from both English and Irish Breakfast tea. Apparently, it’s actually the strongest tea of the three.

In case Scottish Breakfast doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, there are various other Scotland blends to try. I was recommended Queen’s Breakfast as a lighter version to Scottish Breakfast, and apparently a go-to gift if you’re unsure of people’s tea preference.  

Best Places to Pick Up Tea In Scotland

For the classic Scottish breakfast blend, Brodies offers a few tea options. Brodies has been a classic tea vendor for over 75 years in Edinburgh. You can find their tins at the Tron Market on the Royal Mile if you’re looking for Scotland souvenirs in Edinburgh.

If you want very unique blends, head to Whittard of Chelsea on Princes Street. They sell delicious whisky tea (don’t worry there’s no alcohol in it). So, if you want the sweetness of whisky without the burning aftertaste of alcohol, you’ll want to pick up a bag of this tea, it’s delightful! Whittard of Chelsea also ships internationally so you don’t have to ever worry about never being able to get more tea when you run out!

For a very local tea experience head to the Stockbridge Market on Sundays. BeTea is a family run tea shop, might be there selling their Scottish tea blends (although I think they no longer make teas)!

But my favourite tea shop while in Edinburgh is Rosevear Tea. They only have three locations in Edinburgh, but they offer a huge selection at a very reasonable price. P.S. this is where you’ll find the Queen’s Blend tea. 

P.S. Book an afternoon tea experience In Edinburgh: On board a fully equipped afternoon tea tour bus, you’ll head to the top spots around the city while sipping on some Earl grey and spreading clotted cream on scones!

7. Sweet Treat Souvenirs Of Scotland (Shortbread & Fudge)

Scotland is home to two delicious sweet treats: shortbread cookies and fudge tablets (also just known as simply tablets).

Shortbread cookies have been around since the 12th century in Scotland. But it was Mary Queen of Scots who made them popular in the 16th century.

Scottish tablets are like fudge, although are a bit harder and grainier, but are nonetheless very sweet! These goodies have been around since the 18th century in Scotland.

Which Shortbread & Fudge To Buy In Edinburgh Scotland?

You can find shortbread cookies everywhere in Scotland, even in the grocery stores. My advice, find your favourite tin and buy those! Also, stay away from Walkers, you can probably find that brand at home. 

Fudge can be a bit trickier to find, but you can find it at most souvenir shops throughout Scotland. But if you’re in Edinburgh, head to one of the markets (like the Stockbridge Market on Sunday) to pick up some local homemade fudge!

8. Harry Potter Souvenirs From Scotland

Edinburgh is actually the birthplace of Harry Potter? This is where J.K. Rowling spent her time writing the novels, and where she got most of her inspiration from. So if you’re a Harry Potter fan you’ll definitely want to pick up some kind of Harry Potter souvenirs from Scotland.

Sneaky Place To Buy H.P. Souvenirs In Scotland

My tip, don’t waste your money at any of the Harry Potter themed shops. They’re overpriced. For fun, and reasonably priced Harry Potter merch, go to Primark (there’s one in Edinburgh on Princes Street).

There’s a Harry Potter section selling all different kinds of goodies. They have sweaters, pyjamas, socks, even bedding, and all kinds of cute accessories! The only thing you won’t find here is your Hogwarts acceptance letter and your wand.

P.S. Learn more about Edinburgh how it was the inspiration for the Harry Potter novels on a Harry Potter walking tour.

9. Bring Back A Scottish Book

As it turns out, Scotland was home to three very famous authors: R.L. Stevenson (author of Treasure Island, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde), Robert Burns, and Sir Walter Scott. Easily pick up one of the many books from an old Scottish author, or pick up one about Scotland itself.

I brought back a book containing a collection of different Scottish folklore stories, The Folk Tales of Scotland.

Where To Find Books In Edinburgh To Bring Back?

If you want a quirkier coffee table book, head to the Tron Market. They have a great selection, from fairy tale stories to a picture book of men in kilts (my personal favourite!).

If you’re looking for a book by one of their three famous authors, try to find an antique or second-hand bookshop.

P.S. don’t lug heavy books back with you… shop the best Scottish books on Amazon!

10. Golf Souvenirs from Scotland

Scotland is also known as the birthplace of golf, more specific, St. Andrews is home to the first golf course.

If you aren’t able to play on the original golf course, pick up some Scottish golf souvenirs to use for your games back home. Popular items are ball markers, golf club covers, or even a golf hat!

P.S. interested in visiting St. Andrews? Even if you aren’t a golf fan (I’m certainly not!), St. Andrews is still very beautiful to visit, and is a doable day trip from Edinburgh, see my full Edinburgh to St. Andrews road trip itinerary.

Looking For A Place To Stay In Scotland?

I stayed at an Airbnb for a month in Edinburgh just across from The Meadows. For shorter stays, I found these accommodations to stay throughout Scotland.

Hotel In Edinburgh: If you’re in Edinburgh for a few nights, you want to stay in the heart of it all. You can’t get a better price or location than Motel One Edinburgh – Royal. It’s just down the street from the Royal Mile, a short walk to all the main attractions. See room rates & availability.

Hotel In Glasgow: The Dakota Glasgow is a classic style hotel in Glasgow’s city centre. Next to the two main train stations and popular events halls in Glasgow. See room rates & availability.

Hotel In The Highlands: If you’re travelling through the Highlands, we did actually go on a two day road trip from Edinburgh and stayed at the Loch Ness Clansman hotel. It’s conveniently right off the highway, making it an easy place to stop for the night between Inverness and Urquart castle. But my favourite part about staying here – watching the sunrise over Loch Lomond while enjoying breakfast! See room rates & availability.

See more accommodations in Scotland on Booking.com.

Shop My Scotland Day Trip Amazon Must-Haves

Read More Scotland Guides

• How to Spend a Day in North Berwick [From Edinburgh]
• The Best Castles To Visit Near Edinburgh
• Cullen Skink Recipe: Delicious & Hearty Smoked Fish Soup

Help Others Know What To Buy in Scotland

Last update on 2025-06-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API