The minute I set eyes on CHAS, I just knew we'd be friends. I'd pass by everyday and gaze lovingly…read moreat the stock filling up, waiting for the day Stirling's newest charity shop would open its doors to the people of Stirling. The window display looked great and the shop had a trendy vintage feel about, similar to the chic charity shops you'd find on Glasgow's Byres Road. Each time I walked past, I felt like the shop was teasing me with all it's second-hand vintage goodies. I could look but I couldn't touch... ....Until the shop opened and I could finally fulfill my thrifty desire. Wow, wow, wow! The place is huge and filled with lovely things. Velvet pencil skirt. Fringed flapper mini. Green safari jacket. Everything was lovely and beautiful and so many pieces caught my eye. Impressive considering the shop had only just opened! With more than a handful of garments, I popped to the changing room. The changing room is GIANT! - More like a dressing room with a little chair and quirky decorations. With such roomy changing facilities, you might as well make the most of them! Dance, skip, jump. Give yourself a personal fashion show! Why not?! You've certainly got the spacial capacity and you'll be looking dapper in your new clothes! Seriously though, you will not be struggling for space in there. Staff were really very friendly. The manager of the Byres Road CHAS was in for the afternoon and insisted on holding the changing room curtain closed for me, ensuring that there wasn't a gap whilst I changed! - There's nothing worse than that dreaded gap, making for the quickest change in the history of quick-changes. So, I was in no rush and had plenty of time to make my choices. (Don't worry, I overheard them say that they're getting some velcro to sort out the gap. Gap no more!) I left chuffed with an oversized houndstooth coat (£9.99!) and a pearl-style necklace. CHAS may be the newest charity shop in town but it's definitely my favourite so far! Step aside, charity shops of Stirling. - There's a new kid in town!

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!

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.

Disappointment. I was excited for this store…read more This store has interesting clothing to offer - some vintage some new. The prices were pretty steep. Many clothes were damaged, and the tag did not mention the damaged item. I understand that items are vintage, but it should be disclosed of the condition of the clothing. The v store was very hot and packed with people. I was unable to look at everything because shoppers kept bumping into me or cutting me off unfortunately. The clothes were not very organized either. It was hard to look through them. If they did crowd control and limit the shoppers inside, I may have had a better experience. This has been the most disappointing shop during my Scotland holiday so far.

One of my favorite vintage shops in the world! I look forward to coming here every time I am in…read moreEdinburgh. I have found some really unique pieces for great prices.

I'm amazed by just how many times I've walked by this spot, only to have missed Bargain Stop. It's…read moreso unassuming and humble. Hidden away on Drip Road, it really does a good job of camouflaging among the houses nearby. I was surprised to know it's been there for ten years. Considering the countless empty buildings in Stirling town, as good a cause as Bargain Stop definitely deserves a more central location. But I'd say that finding it in its current spot was all part of its charm. With a small, rickety sign outside, it calls you in to 'The Bargain Stop.' Bargain? I love a bargain? Where? I wasn't quite sure I was heading in the right direction but regardless, I headed in. What I found was a charity shop. A funky one. The stock was really eclectic and they had quite the range of shoes. The beauty range was also worth having a look at with plenty of potential gifts. I just bet if you headed in on the right day, Bargain Stop would certainly make your day and you'd be leaving with an incredible buy. Bargain Stop's story will warm your heart. The money they raise enables them to offer daily meals to the local homeless and disadvantaged. It's for that reason I'll be back. Whilst nothing in the clothing section caught my eye this time round, there's certainly plenty of stock to browse and many interesting things to be found in every corner. I left happy with my chirping bird clock, excited to pop back again when I'm next in that part of town.

This building used to be the local post office that had to close down due to the locals not using…read moreit enough, thankfully there is something new there to replace it. It's such a shame for a small village to have hardly any facilities available to passing trade our group was glad to see this place, that has one side that is used as an antique shop and the other for a tea room. The cafe has not got a hot food licence so can only offer sandwiches and a bowl of soup if you are lucky, we where at least able to get a good cup of tea and something to eat to recharge our batteries. My friend had a sandwich with the only choice available being cheese and tomato, but there is a good selection of home baking on display. The lady that served us was nice and chatty, that made our visit a pleasant experience.

lovely wee tearoom and secondhand shop run by 2 friendly ladies…read more We stopped in to Simpatica on the way back from a walk - and what a delight! Not only did the owners stay open a little later for us they also allowed us to bring in our wee dog and we were then treated to an assortment of homemade soup, freshly baked cakes and teas and coffees all at a very reasonable price. The two ladies running the shop are just lovely - really friendly and chatty added to the whole experience and you are surrounded by beautiful, ornate vintage homeware and oddities. It's like a step back in time this little gem of a place where your tea is served in beautiful china tea cups and saucers in a homely enviroment. Definitely worth stopping in if you are passing through / in the area.

My experience of SOSN is coming home to new furniture. Let me explain:…read more Moving into an unfurnished flat was a daunting prospect but luckily the fresh-on-the-scene Something Old, Something New offered cheap second-hand furniture, all in aid of Parkinson's. I was working when my flatmates went to have a peek at what was available and I was also out when the chosen furniture was delivered. I trusted my roomies' judgement and chipped in my third of the cost. For what I payed, I'm delighted with what we got: a mega, mega bargain of a dining table, four chairs and a three-piece sofa for £150! - My flat has furniture and I am not flat out skint as a result. And the money went to a great cause. The one comment my flatmates made was that the two men who delivered required a lot of assistance since they were a little older. But delivery is free and carried out by volunteers; you really can't complain. I really, really can't wait to visit the SOSN unit and see more of what they've got to offer, but at the moment I'm sitting on my new couch and grateful that my flat is all the more homely for it.

From the owner: we recycle furniture, clothing books toys and crockery, to raise funds to help find a cure for…read moreParkinson's

I got a vintage Laura Ashley dress for a mere six pounds today. It's ruby red and flowing with…read morelittle bejeweled straps and is the stuff of charity shop scourers' dreams. I'm wearing it now. That and one giant smile. It's true, an unexpected second-hand find can turn even the biggest of frowns upside down. - The overwhelming presence of charity shops on our high streets is testament to that. We do love a bargain! Mary's Meals is a traditional no-frills charity shop in Dunblane High Street. It does feel like you're rummaging through a stranger's garage, with something to be found in every corner and the odd bit of treasure just waiting to be discovered. The clothing section may be smaller than similar charity shops, but you definitely shouldn't discount it on that basis. Whilst shopping requires a fair bit of searching, I can most definitely vouch for persevering for the good stuff, hence my find today! Book and DVD prices are also significantly lower than most charity shops I've visited and the selection is extensive and varied. It's well worth hopping on the train from Stirling for a rummage. Like me, you'll be smiling when you leave because, one: you'll have most likely nabbed yourself a bargain, and two: it's going to a very good cause. - Staff are rather lovely too. Consider me a regular, Mary!

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!