Hello! When did this wee gem spring up?…read more It's not really wee, and it looks new - I'm guessing it's only been on Cockburn Street under a month. Old Town Context is a refreshing, traditional store on Cockburn Street, steering away from the style of the tourist traps on the Royal Mile to offer alternative gift ideas. They have some old English, French and American advert poster art, cards, stationery, gifts, mugs with pin ups on them, clocks made out of recycled glass drinks bottles - a very eclectic and classy selection. Its inspiration is clearly from bygone era's, and I was very impressed with their postcard range. They also have some cracking cards and original prints with cats on them. These cats are wearing kilts and rugby shifrts, quoting Burns and other Scottish poets within the print. It's a very odd idea but entirely up my alley. Overall a very enjoyable shop for the family. It's difficult to walk out of here without buying anything.

I am glad that my 200th review is on this hidden gem... actually it isn't that hidden, but I have a…read morefeeling that lots of people just walk right on by. In a very different and almost vintage way, it is a souvenir shop. I say that because there were lots of prints, cards, coffee mugs of the city and various British 'things', but they are not the types of souvenirs that you would find in the every single store on the Royal Mile... yeah, you know what I mean. I loved the different prints of the city, my favourite was a very art deco-ish print highlighting the castle in a yellowy-orangish hue against a dark background. They had it as a large print, a card, and a coffee mug. I am now kicking myself that I did not buy it. If you love globes or tin signs, they have loads of them! If you are looking for a different kind of souvenir for someone... or just something for yourself, stop in here because they have some really wonderful items.

Those looking to unleash the interior designer within themselves can do no better than to come…read morehere. It's not particularly cheap, but if it's modern and slightly more unique items you are after then this is the place you are looking for. However, it should be noted that this place does not deal exclusively in lights and also offers other interior items generally including some sort of relationship to light in one form or another such as a number of items of furniture consisting of mirrors as their external surface. IF you do want something a bit more specific and have the money to spend then a visit here might be in order.

I was a little confused as I walked up to Cotterell Lighting store in the Newington area. I was…read morepresented with what appeared to be a beautiful old church but the "Sale now on" said something different. Then, I noticed the huge signs for "Cotterell Lighting" and I decided to pop in. I was still really confused and wondered if I was entering some kind of bizarre lighting cult. As soon as I entered I realised that it was indeed a shop, and it sold lighting, all kinds of lighting, in every design you could think of. There were two friendly staff members working who just told me to give them a shout if I needed any help so I decided to browse. I couldn't believe how many different lighting styles they had and if you're looking for a new lampshade or light then you will find exactly what you're looking for here. In addition to lighting they also do a small amount of furniture. I noticed a really cool mirror ball light, a lampshade on a stand that was designed to look like a fish bone and a huge mirror that I like instantly as it made me look better than I actually do. I have to admit, it was a little odd walking around an old church and it was pretty much intact apart from the missing pews. When I looked up I could see that the upper seating of the church was still there and if that area was still accessible you could have taken a seat and looked down at the now lighting shop. The creaking floor boards were still there as were the stained glass window and painted high ceiling. It seems a waste that such a beautiful church is now just a shop and even stranger that it hasn't been disguised as a shop. I'd recommend visiting under the guise that you need a new lightbulb, as it really is an experience.

Tiger's new store is finally here! They have moved out of the derelict St James Centre and into…read more.. the dark and gloomy Waverley Mall. While their new location isn't in my favourite shopping centre, I'm just glad that they listened to my pleads so that I wouldn't have to be without my Tiger while they demolished the St James Centre. The new store is a bit smaller than the old one at St James but the aisles are less cramped and since not many people know about it yet, it is nice and peaceful. The store itself is clean, bright and the staff from the previous store have been kept on which is good because they were always cheerful when I visited the old store. The selection of stock that this store offers is great. The gift aisle was booming, as was the craft aisle. I managed to find my beloved chunky felt tips and quirky novelty gifts and pay for them with no bother at all. The cash desks are conveniently located at the front of the shop, which is so much better than the old store, where they were in the middle of everything causing a huge blockage. I will be continuing to shop at Tiger. They also have a fancy new name and instead of being called Tiger, they are now Flying Tiger Copenhagen! Talk about being fancy!

It's downstairs you go into the rabbit hole…read more And this isn't just being cute. It is a place to find weird but awesome pieces and gifts. Like a pillow that has a photo of a cat, in the shape of a cat, so that it really seems like a cat is sitting there when you first look at it. Or a small white desk lamp made from a cast dog's head. Or animal teeth jewelry-probably casts as well, but I didn't want to know. They have redone some furniture into unique and totally enviable center pieces. Lounge chairs, side tables, bookcases, coffee tables...probably more and I'm forgetting. Some looks like decoupage, but they find really creative ways to do it. Oh! My favorite was a set of small mirrors that were all scratched up and had been written on in erasable marker "you look great." Seriously, you don't need to look in the mirror, you're beautiful. The art is bizarre, sometimes cartoony though strangely fitting, but you know that when you leave this shop you will remember back and think wtf? It's good. I like when people who visit me see something and have to stop and wonder 1. where I got it 2. why I got it 3.what it tells them about me if I am just strange or just like to mess with people. I change my mind on this one a lot. When it's just me at home, I am the strange one with questionable art. When people are around I am messing with them. See-two for the price of one :)

From the owner: Shop featuring artwork, jewellery, cards, gifts, paintings, household items and furniture…read more Everything is made or upcycled by local artists, mainly by Dodo, who you will usually find working in the shop making the items. She will also do commissions if you have an old piece of furniture you would like brought back to life.

Another baffling, huge monster of a pound store to be found in this area of Edinburgh…read more It sells everything. I could expand on everything that it sells, but we would be here for a while. I might invent an updated version of the Only Fools and Horses song that plays during the end credits, since they list off their many bargain wares. For a wide range of products, this place isn't bad. Aside from selling the tourist tat that most bargain stores in Edinburgh display, they've got some imitation brands, garden equipment and cheap as chips electrics, just to give you an idea of the broad spectrum. I wouldn't trust any electrics from a pound shop, but for things like earphones you can be pleasantly surprised for a short lived period of time. Needs must in these purse pinching days of the recession, but it's a bit too much of a tacky overload for me. I'm sure if you rake through this place with a fine toothed comb you'll find something of use, but mostly it's a bit much! But since they bear the Only Fools ethos of bargain selling, it's a guarantee you'll find "cut prices at a stroke!"

Certainly not the most glamorous shop, Pound Savers stocks all manner of tat and this place is so…read morebig it really does seem to have everything but the kitchen sink. I could have spent hours in here browsing at all the wares, finding bizarre reasons why I would ever need half of the stuff in here. I was tempted by the colourful clay as it's been so long that I've made any clay people but decided it wasn't a very wise purchase. This place does seem to have everything but to be honest, none of it seems all that useful but if you're looking for a tiny screwdriver, a crazy soap dish or a garden gnome you will be able to take your pick in here.

Eden seems to be a bizarre mix of wooden furniture and Edward Monkton cards…read more If wooden furniture is your thing then you could pick up some bargains in here as many of the items are very reasonably priced and one off pieces too. This kind of stuff doesn't really float my kind of boat but I did see a really pretty dark wood table at £95 that I quite liked. They stock lots of little accessories such as crystals, jewellery and candles and the staff are really helpful too. The whole shop has a really laid back atmosphere and great for a browse without feeling pressured to buy anything.

Eden is quite deceptive - it looks like it's going to have hordes of hippy dippy gifts, which might…read moreinterest some people but not so much me. Upon entering, there was certainly that free spirited vibe - they were playing the Cocteau Twins and the shop keeper was really relaxed. But that only made for a better browsing experience (and I LOVE the Cocteau Twins so I was happy). Yes, there are loads of carved wooden ornaments and chairs, hanging beads and dream catchers, but there are also some lovely rustic homewares, trendy candles and some truly gorgeous ornate wrapping paper. They have a range of cards and some lovely stuff for the kitchen, including plaid patterned coat hangers and pretty ornaments. So even though it has the 90s hippy vibe, there is more variety than you may think if you care to enter. The shop assistant was absolutely lovely and her laid back approach left me free to browse to my heart's content. I came out with cactus candles which are awesome but too nice to burn!

One of my favorite spots to grab local Scottish souvenirs is Isle of Skye Candle Co. on the Royal…read moreMile. This family run business features natural candles hand poured in the Scottish Highlands on the Isle of Skye! My favorite scent was Chamomile & Cedar! Reed diffusers and skincare also available! The staff were very friendly and helpful with product selection and knowledgeable of available options! I am always willing to pay more for high quality products and to support small family owned businesses.

Great selection of candles and exceptional, friendly customer service. Make this a stop on your…read moretrip to Edinburgh.

I don't normally post reviews but had to comment on the fantastic service provided by Edinburgh…read moreFabrics. I wanted a length of navy elastic but was struggling to find anywhere but an online marketplace at exorbitant prices, so I was really pleased to find a range of widths, very reasonably priced with this store. I placed my order, the online invoicing was prompt and seamless, and gave lots of security reassurances. Postage was not included but was reasonable again. That all happened yesterday, and I received my items today. Really high quality materials. I cannot commend this company enough and will certainly buy from them again. Just wish I lived closer to visit in person!

This was a smaller fabric shop as compared to USA but there was so many types of fabrics. I stayed…read morein Edinburgh for ten days and for so many days I was on bus tours to many other cities so I was always checking for fabric shops. I never found what I was looking for until I called up this shop on one of my non travel days. It is down the hill going away from the Royal mile towards the library. I called first before going and they had what I needed! The team was so helpful. Thank you Scotland and thank you Edinburgh fabrics!

Professional, friendly and courteous. Did a great job. Would use his services again. Thank you.read more

From the owner: At Pentland Painting & Decorating we do all the things that you expect from a professional company…read moreyou've invited to carry out work on your home or business We are a fully qualified painting & decorating company offering interior and exterior services throughout the areas of Edinburgh and Midlothian. You will find Pentland Painting & decorating to be an honest, professional and trustworthy company with a customer first attitude.

During my third year at university I had the pleasure of driving a van for a Persian rug shop, so I…read morelearnt a little about the trade. This place has a fair stock of Persian and Oriental rugs and the staff are extremely knowledgeable, if a little aloof. Persian rugs certainly aren't to everyone's taste. No doubt they're exquisitely made, by hand, using extremely intricate weaving patterns. I just find them a bit gaudy. And I don't think this place, good as it is, is helped by the tacky window displays of little brass trinkets, shisha pipes and all things Arabic. Still, if Persian rugs are your bag, this is, as Lauren G. says, a veritable Aladdin's cave for rugs. They also offer a professional cleaning and repair service, essential to keep your expensive rugs pristine.

What a cute store!…read more The Persian Rug Village sells every type of rug imaginable - amazing! It is an Aladdin's Cave for anything rug related. The store is situated in the busy and bustling Morningside Road and it is just a short walk from the city centre so it is easy to get to this shop. The Persian Rug Village are specialists in oriental rugs, all of which are utterly gorgeous, but quite pricey which is to be expected considering they are Persian. Decorative carpets are also sold in this store too and they offer a wide selection of different designs and colours of carpets which are sooo soft! The staff in the Persian Rug Village are very friendly and highly knowledgeable about their stock and they are always happy to order in a certain style of rug if it is not available in their store. As well as selling rugs, the Persian Rug Village also offers a cleaning and repair service for rugs which may be stained or damaged. I can't wait to come back to this store when I am older and have money to burn so that I can buy one of their gorgeously soft rugs.