"It's not unknown for some people to travel to New York or Paris for their Christmas shopping - and come back with some of our tweeds or cashmeres". In a small Borders shop, you'll find more choice at considerably less cost - and the pride of the shopkeeper will be so much the greater. We take great pride in showing you our work. Our artistry isn't confined to knitwear. You'll also find an enticing selection of small, independent and often family-run shops and retail outlets showcasing a huge diversity of crafts, textiles, traditional delicacies and local produce that make perfect mementoes of a special holiday.
The area, as mentioned, is most famous for its textiles so its the perfect place to shop for the softest cashmere, the cosiest woollens and the finest tweed. The landscapes inspire local crafts people to reflect the beauty of the land in stunning creations in glass, wood, ceramics or paint. Many sell direct from their studios, so you can often see works in progress as you browse.
In many towns throughout the Scottish Borders, high streets are a vibrant mix of independent specialists and boutiques. Bakers carrying on the tradition of the Selkirk Bannock, butchers winning plaudits for their haggis recipes, confectioners satisfying the Scottish sweet tooth for Soor Plooms and Hawick Balls, each add to the pleasure of shopping here. Of particular note is Peebles, recently voted the 'Top Independent Retailing Town in Scotland' for its top quality range of individual shops.