Stopped by today and found the most beautiful embroidered blue velvet coat for way less than it's…read moreworth! Loved shopping here and next time I'm in Glasgow, I'll make sure to stop by again! The owner was at the shop and she was just lovely and so kind!

I've been here a few times to have a look around and make considerations of purchases, only to…read morerealise I'm not cool enough to get away with dressing up like Sgt. Pepper or something. I did however pick up a mac one time to help me realise my dream of dressing up like Columbo for a Halloween party. I went so far as to start smoking cigars that year. It was a good one. The mac has served me well since to also dress up as a streaker. A cracking shop with alot of charm. Full of mystery and wonder.

I hate second hand shops…read more They are smelly, poor merchandise and nothing you would dream of having new never mind used This place however is a nostalgic dream, full of all those brings you didn't know you needed, from old 35mm slr cameras to that record that you wanted when you were younger Great place for a rummage and helpful yet not overbearing staff

A wonderful cornucopia of nostalgia, Alison's Vintage (previously of Glasgow's West End) is a…read moredelight to browse around. Nice collection of weird and wonderful things including some neat fifties and sixties tea sets that caught my eye and some old vinyl records to thumb through. I may just do all some advance christmas shopping in here!

Nice little charity shop - often stop here on my way to Ardentinny, they have a good selection of…read moresecond hand books and they're really reasonably priced. Staff have always been friendly as well. Seems the other review had an axe to grind...

Welcome to the home of crackpots and cracked pots!…read more The Glory Hole is a little known (and, for visitors outside of Scotland, unfortunately named) charity shop situated in the village of Blairmore. As the crow flies it's probably no more than a mile from Dunoon, but the journey around the loch takes a good fifteen minutes. Question is, is it worth it? The answer, it's a mixed bag. The pricing is schizophrenic. I have found good quality, genuine antiques in the shop for as little as a pound, gold and silver bracelets, necklaces and rings for a couple of quid and once, to my lasting joy, a sterling silver inkwell for just £5. You can definitely find bargains. Sadly, you'll also find cracked and chipped vases at ridiculous prices (there was a poor quality vase with a crack down one side for £12 last time I was in), rusty cutlery, and a wide variety of hideous ornaments that have been sensibly smashed then unfathomably, and badly, glued back together. In this cramped little space you'll find just about everything, from plates to paintings, from plant pots to canteens of cutlery. Sometimes the price will be so good you'll want to bite their hand off. Other times you'll stare incredulously at the price tag and wonder if you've wandered into Reggie Perrin's "Grot" shop. Of course, it's the people who make a shop and as the Glory Hole is run to raise money for local Churches you'd expect a warm welcome. You will, however, be disappointed. There's a different volunteer in charge every day, so it's pot luck, but you'll find that many are the most unchristian Christians you'll ever have the displeasure of meeting. Rude, vile and unforgiving, a varied collection of wraiths and harpies who'll either make you feel like scum for daring to step through the door or mock you to other customers the second you leave. I've been going to the shop for years, purely for the bargains, but this December was the final straw for me. As a devout atheist I don't believe in Heaven or Hell, but if I'm wrong I know where I'm going and I'd expect to find some of the "sweet old ladies" wielding pitchforks when I get there. If you do go in, and you should if only for the comedy value, please follow these three simple rules: 1. Don't look them in the eye - they will steal your soul. 2. Don't express an opinion. In fact, don't talk. You're bound to say something objectionable and if you're not asked to leave you'll soon want to. 3. Examine everything. Assume anything you find is damaged and if you can't find a crack, chip or hole check under the price tag - they like to hide the damage where possible. Enjoy! You won't, but it'll be an experience.

My partner and I stopped by Glasgow Vintage Co our last day in Glasgow. There are a few vintage…read morestores around this area, but of the bunch, this one definitely had the best selection. When you walk in, you clearly get the vibe that this is a university student's frequent haunt. As we shopped here, students came in and out, receive a discount, and generally have their needs met with the types of clothing available. However, the selection of clothes in the store isn't so student oriented that a wider audience won't be able to find something of interest. The first floor is more women's oriented, with tartan featuring prominently. The second floor is men's, which had some decent selections of Fred Perrys and the like. When we were there, the store was staffed just by a couple girls on the first floor, and they were pretty deep in conversation with each other. Didn't bother us at all, but perhaps don't expect to have staff catering to your every need here. But if you just like to do your thing and browse through the racks, you should be well sorted.,

TL;DR bad quality, overpriced, cheeky response. Would like…read moreto say the staff member on when I was in was lovely. However... I spent good money (too much) on trousers that had an irreparable defect that I did not notice until I put them on at home. I understand this is a risk with 2nd hand clothing, and places don't accept returns etc, but I do draw the line at paying ~£30 for something I literally can't wear. I messaged their instagram page about it and expressed my disappointment that they weren't willing to reconcile this in any way (I said I felt this was poor customer service) and the message I received back was so cheeky I am honestly in disbelief. So here I am doing the only thing I can do since I've literally wasted my money.

If you're looking for a bargain in a charity shop where the staff have no idea as to the value of…read morethe items you're selling, this is not the shop for you. If, however, you're looking for great quality antiques and knick knacks at a fair price, accompanied by friendly service from knowledgeable staff, this is definitely the place to go. Situated at the far end of the High Street, near the ferry port, the Cowal Hospice Trust Charity Shop is a veritable treasure trove. From jewellery to clothes, furniture to ornaments, soft toys to board games, this shop has everything and while the prices can hardly be described as "rock bottom" they are invariably reasonable. I've bought a number of pieces of furniture from the shop, including a wingback chair that would have been at least £60 in Glasgow, but there was fairly priced at £25. I've bought jewellery for my wife, paintings, and a range of unusual items you're unlikely to find at any High Street store. It's like a fantastic flea market under one roof. Well, actually it's two roofs. The shop is divided in two with one side selling furniture and more expensive antiques, the other selling clothes, DVDs, jewellery and household items. It's a cash only business, but if you walk in there with just a tenner in your pocket you can leave with a bag filled with goodies and be sure that your money has been well spent. I'd just like to add a quick note about Morag, who I believe manages the shop. Even when she's having a bad day she's there ready to offer a friendly greeting and a smile, ensuring customers have a pleasurable shopping experience regardless of how much they buy. She's also a fairly unique entity in charity shops. She doesn't pretend to know exactly the right price for everything (though her instincts are very good), and if you feel something is overpriced she can always be convinced to revisit that price - not that you'd really have much cause to haggle in this brilliant shop.

A place I'd like to spend more time…read more What I initially thought would be an overpriced charity shop, selling trivial odds and ends, surprised me in the best of ways. The little time I spent there I was able to find some wonderful, and charming pieces of furniture and decor. Having been looking for a larger mirror for my flat for a while I was blown away when I found a large gilded framed mirror which has the Disney's Snow White, magic mirror feel. And best if all it did not cost me a fortune. In fact everything is well priced and charming. I really would like to come back here soon to have a bit more time to look around. Lastly and also very importantly the staff are so approachable and kind natured. They seem genuinely happy to be doing what they are doing and some of them voluntarily. Well played Strathcarron Vintage. Well played.

They've got A LOT more clothes in store since I first visited Strathcarron Vintage just after it's…read moreopening. Whilst it can be hit and miss, I've spotted a few worthy pieces! The china section is definitely worth a browse if you love vintage style tea cup sets and staff are always friendly. You most definitely can get yourself a bargain! My new brown brogue timberland shoes (£10!) are testament to that! Happy thrifting!

It is perhaps a victim of its own success. Cardwell is now less a garden centre and more some cross…read morebetween a department store and a holiday village. There still is garden centre here but it is hidden behind the shows selling wicker ornaments, books and clothes (All designed for the elderly). This is an ideal place to take an elderly relative on a day out. They will enjoy the 300 seat restaurant. It is less suited for someone on the search for seed potatoes.

This is a Garden Centre which it was started in the 1960's and it do boasts 100,000 sq ft, and it…read moreis the most biggest garden centre which I have ever been. It is a quite admiring garden centre, as they do grows everything from scratch themselves, as they have their own nursery which they care and to groww them, then move it on to the shop-floor, to sell them on. This Garden Centre have a vast ample of car parking facilitates which it tends to be quite full and busy during the sunny periods. Also it is placed on the stunning views over the picturesque Lunderston Bay and the Firth of Clyde, along with the Argyll and Bute hills in the distance, and also you would be able to find the mountain peaks of the Isle of Arran providing a spectacular backcloth to the area. They have the attractions of Patio Restaurant which are served all day either hot or cold, and you can choose where to sit, indoors or outdoors. (For smokers, you have to be at outdoors, which there are ashtrays provided!) They have a wide range of shrubs, trees, and fruiting trees, plants, and almost everything else which are sold in the centre. They also have a huge Water Gardening services, which they sell waterplants, and water related stuffs. Also sells fishes, and small anials, which they do sell Goldfishes, and other kind of fishes, such as Koi Carp, Black moors (my favorites!) and other fishes. Also they do sell hamster, mice, gerbils, and Budgies, and other birds. There is a huge selection of Shops within more shops for a wide variety of goods and gifts. such as clothingwear, gardening wear, giftwares, ceramics, toys, and many more Even they do stock huge selection of speciality Scottish food produce, like Jams, Cheese, Ice-creams, Fruits, sweets, and the list are endless! Even they have children play area which are provided, and it is qquite child friendly place. Even it is wheelchair friendly as it is accessible all over the centre, which I am quite surprised, and it is quite great place. Even they do stock garden sheds, greenhouse, wheelbarrows, and almost everything else which you need for your garden. Also they do home delivery service, but there is a service charge for this. Also they so have a huge showrooms, of Conservatories in the back, and they all are quite big and nice. For the Directions to get to there: it is right on the A770 coast road between Gourock and Inverkip. Opposite from the Lunderston Bay Beach. When the weather is really great, I would recommend you to cross the road to the Lunderston Bay to have a nice stroll along the beach. They also do have a bus service as well. As the pensioners dont drive and loves to go there, so there is bus service provided there, Which they dont have a bus stop at all. If you take a bus from Gourock to Inverkip, make sure you mention to the driver, that you want the driver to drop you off at the Garden Centre, they would be ore than happy to do that! Even if you want to catch a bus to go back to Gourock, just flag the bus down when you see one, and they will be more than happy to stop and uplift you on the bus!

Formerly known as The Glory Hole this place's name always used to give myself & my friends a wee…read morechuckle...T-hehee! Childish I know...but back in the days of said GH I was often in here buying and selling clothes (this was the days before eBay kids) which was a brilliant idea. I'm not 100% sure they still do that now, but because of eBay (other auction sites are available) I very much doubt they still offer this service. Not a vintage shop as such, more a nearly new shop as I would guess 90% of their stock is (very) new/modern items & a lot appearing to be hardly worn. So I guess I would describe this as a sort of 'vintage' shop for folk that don't like retro styles. You'll find high street & fashion labels such as Top Shop, ASOS, River Island and others as well as the odd Karen Millen & more high end/designer items too. Everything is laid out very well & there's lots of space to wander & browse, it's also got great lighting too which is something some other vintage/2nd hand shops seem to lack. As well as clothes they sell shoes/boots, bags, belts & some jewellery too. Everything is a pretty reasonable price, especially considering the condition of the items. You can pick up some real bargains here if you can be bothered searching (Me = always!). Last time I was in I found 2 dresses I really liked but didn't have enough cash on me to pay for them (Note: they don't take cards here) so they nice lady serving said she would put them aside whilst I went in search of a cash machine (there's plenty on nearby Byres road) and when I returned she very kindly rounded down the price of the 2 dresses saving me a couple of quid! Such a lovely gesture. The staff here have always been super nice & friendly which is always a wee bonus. It's service like that that keeps folk coming back. For trying on clothes they have one small changing area which is better than nowt but can be a pain when the shop's busy, but good things come to those who wait...supposedly! It might be off the beaten (Ruthvern Lane) track but this wee hidden gem is well worth a swatch. Another example of a fantastic wee local Glasgow business.

Glorious has always been one of my very first stops when shopping in the West End for as long as I…read morecan remember. In fact, from way back when it was known as The Glory Hole. (I actually prefer the risque name!) The problem with Glorious is that that I NEVER leave without purchasing anything, and that's no exaggeration. If I can limit myself to a fortnightly visit and a maximum of two items purchased I'm doing well. The stock is always carefully selected- lots of on trend pieces, lots of items you missed out on first time round from the High Street, and a nice little smattering of vintage. There's also always a great selection of handbags. I think the prices are extremely competitive too. Its always possible to get two of three items for under £20 but equally you might spot a really special designer piece and pay a bit more for it but still get a bargain. The owners and staff are lovely and always enthusiastic about offering an opinion if needed. They all seem to take great pride in Glorious and subsequently all items for sale are of the highest quality; washed, pressed and ready to be worn. Often this can be a rarity from a secondhand store. Cant recommend this place enough and looking forward to my next pay day!

With it's large glass window from roof to ground facing you when you enter Ruthven Lane you can't…read moremiss W2 Store. Opened in November 2008 as Comme des Garcon guerilla store it's aim was to be open for a year and to spend a minimal amount on the interior. However, I believe it is now a 'post-guerilla' store and so is here for keeps. It now stocks other designers along with goods from iconic fashion Japanese fashion house Comme des Garcons. It is a real mix of fashion and some of the clothes are just stunning. A male friend of mine tells me he would easily buy his whole wardobe from here if only it was a little less expensive. The prices vary but can be crazily expensive. I also really like the idea of this little exclusive shop being situated amongst all the vintage shops of the west end.

I've popped in here a couple of times and really love the feel of the place. Most wee boutique type…read moreplaces feel like a pressure cauldron when you're inside but This place is really relaxed and worth a browse. Ok, Comme Des Garcon may not be the cheapest clothing on the planet but you're going to find something here that puts a smile on your face - even if it puts a black hole in your bank account. In saying that, I've bought a couple of Margaret Howell bits that were almost a third of the original price. The shop itself feels like a well laid out gallery, with great natural light to complement the natural finishings. Staff are knowledgeable and friendly and take their time explaining clothing function/details etc. If you've got the cash then this could become a regular haunt. If like me beans are regularly on the domestic menu, then a couple of times a year to find something special with serious reductions is enough.

In the first three years that I lived in Dunoon, I went into this particular Bernado's store no…read moremore than a couple of times a year. I couldn't stand it. It was horrendously overpriced, the volunteers were rude and the store was very poorly organised. However, over the past year I have become a regular customer. I don't know exactly when things changed, but it really isn't the same shop I first visited. The staff take pride in the store, keep it tidy and organised. Nothing is overpriced. There are a couple of bits that are a little more than I'd want to pay, but at worst the price is on the high end of fair. For bargain hunters there are now multiple 99p bins containing a mixed bag of rubbish and fantastic finds. Examples of the latter over the last couple of months would include pewter picture frames, a complete set of Royal Worcester plates and a gorgeous cruet set. The store now has the added feature of a tombola. For £1 you get two tickets and if you don't win you get to take a booby prize out of the toy box. It's not a bad idea, except my wife, who is obsessed with soft toys, tries very hard to lose every time and has sometimes been disappointed with the great prizes she's won - and most of the prizes are well worth the £1. As I've said in many of my reviews, it's staff that make a store. I'll pay a little more for good customer service and walk away from fantastic bargains in the face of rudeness. And the staff in Bernado's... Let's be frank. If you're running a charity shop you rely on volunteers. Sometimes you have to take the good with the bad. There are a couple of volunteers in this store that are completely clueless. They don't know how to work the till and if you ask them a question they'll stare at you blankly. However, each and every one is friendly, each and every one tries their best and if they're struggling they'll ask for help. The rude volunteers of old are long gone and most of those who are in the store now will greet you with a smile. There are a few minor issues - the jewellery cabinet goes all the way to the floor and my back can't take a careful examination of the lower shelves - but overall it's a great place to shop and a great place for bargains.