Scotland is even greedier than you think
Scotland is full of sweet and savoury treats, each more delicious than the last. For the former, butter and sugar are at the heart of the production of delicious shortbreads, scottish tablets, fudges and other variations. It would also be a shame to miss out on Tunnock's range of chocolate bars and tea cakes... Especially as they come at low prices, can't be found in France, and slip right into an already packed suitcase!
What about savoury palates? We can suggest a few well-packaged cheeses, as well as locally-smoked salmon, or tinned haggis (original or vegetarian), if you've become hooked.
Take home some of the Scottish legends
It's only a short step from haggis in a tin to the legendary animal known as haggis. The joke of letting naïve souls believe that haggis is an extraordinary animal living on Scottish soil is still the order of the day, and in some souvenir stores that have given in to this childish humor, official whistles ("The Haggy's whistle™ ") can be found to call the funny beast. Nessie, the famous Loch Ness monster, is also the big star of souvenir stores. Plush toys, magnets, bags, key rings, mugs, head covers, onesies, reinterpreted plastic ducks and even kitchen accessories are all available in her likeness.
But she's not the only one to haunt the Highlands with her mysterious presence. Beautifully illustrated albums and storybooks recount the legends of magical beings, ghosts and great heroes.
A drink in the softness of a sofa, and the memories come flooding back
It's hard to come back from Scotland without a good bottle of whisky, gin or even beer in your suitcase, as there are so many exclusive local breweries in the UK. The purchase of gin or whisky will undoubtedly present you with a dilemma, as it will most likely be sold at a higher price than in France (due to high and recently increased taxes). The solution? Treat yourself to a whisky sold exclusively at the distillery - more and more distilleries are offering this privilege to their visitors - or enjoy an unusual personalized experience, filling your own bottle with a dedicated cuvée that is, more often than not, not sold elsewhere.
A wide range of objects and treats are available to celebrate these age-old beverages. You'll find whisky-scented scottish tablets and fudges, whisky tea and coffee (from Tea & Coffee Edinburgh Company Ltd), whisky chocolate, as well as whisky-scented candles and soaps. In addition to bottles, boxes and miniatures to take home, you can also choose from more original presentations of spirits, offered by specialist whisky stores: glass cherubs or Christmas ornaments filled with whisky or gin, as offered by Angel's Share glass and Pickering's gin.
Scottish tradition turned upside down
If the Scottish symbol is thethistle, it's featured in countless ways, including on the most unlikely of materials. If its fragrance appeals to you, you'll find it in fragrances and cosmetics at Men's Grooming, in a masculine alliance with black pepper.
Tweed is also everywhere, in leather goods, scarves, gloves, caps and various accessories, as are tartans, which adorn cushions, household linen and clothing of all kinds. And of course, there's the famous kilt. Whether for men or women, a complete kit includes socks, a jacket, shoes, a sporran and a kilt pin. For real quality and local manufacture (it couldn't be otherwise), the bill can quickly climb to £1,000.
Last but not least, the Scots are playing their part with publications that play on the glamour of this garment: postcards, a calendar (" We love kilts "), but also publications such as Kilted yoga (men in kilts practicing yoga) and 101 Men in kilts.
Artists and craftsmen, the undeniable "made in Scotland
Numerous small artisan and artist boutiques promote "made in Scotland" crafts and creations, from the land or the islands, designed and created according to the inspiration of the sea spray. The idea - and we can only support it - is to maintain, and even develop, quality jobs in areas that tend to suffer from an exodus of young people and a shortage of work. The many distilleries and breweries are also working in this direction, many of them concentrating all their activities (including communications and marketing) in Scotland. Returning to Scottish creations, let's mention, for example, the jewelry of Orkney-based designer Sheila Fleet, the scented candles produced on the Isle of Skye or the "Lomond soap".
And for children, big or small?
There's no shortage of creations for children. In addition to the countless adorable stuffed animals of Highland cows, sheep, scottish terriers and pheasants, you can use your visit to reinforce their introduction to the English language and Scottish culture. The UK also boasts a wealth of children's literature, featuring key historical figures, classic Scottish authors (Walter Scott and Stevenson, for example) and local stories. And since learning is also about fun and games, why not treat yourself to the Scottish edition of Monopoly, or other exclusive games in VO? The stores also feature Harry Potter memorabilia and vast collections of related items that will make fans green with envy. Adults, meanwhile, will no doubt succumb to the Outlander craze!
Treat yourself to a Scottish Lord or Lady title
Did you know that it was possible... to become Lord, Lady or Laird of Glencoe and own a piece of Scottish land? While at first glance the idea may seem surprising and cause some concern, it is in fact a ground-breaking environmental initiative. Since 2006, Highland Titles has set itself the goal of restoring devastated land by planting trees. In 2007, it acquired a nature reserve at Glencoe Wood, reforesting some 100 hectares with all the plots purchased (in 1 square foot, 10 square feet, 100 square feet: the options are many). In 2014, it did the same with Mountain View (near Invergarry). The company's woodland ambitions are complemented by a commitment to local wildlife, with the establishment of "Bumblebee Haven", a haven for deer, and the donation of 10 acres of land to "Wildcat Haven", which protects Scotland's last remaining wildcats. To take part in this collective work and hold the prestigious title of laird (landowner) of Scotland, all you have to do is log on to the dedicated website (www.highlandtitles.fr) and choose your pack. A good deed, the creation of a community, prestige and a love of Scotland: now that's an initiative, and a gift!
To conclude without mentioning the royal family would be unseemly... And it's rare to visit a site without some reference to an English monarch. The objects - often kitsch, but that's their charm - are varied: crockery or tea sets emblazoned with the royal emblems, corgi plush, collector's metal tins... They are must-haves, or not!
