Cashmere shopping in Edinburgh: how to recognize real Scottish wool
Scottish cashmere is famous worldwide
Organizingholidays in Edinburghwithout buying a cashmere item is almost a sin. Scotland is renowned for its fine wool processing, but beware: many shops on the Royal Mile sell products made in China or Italy, passing them off as Scottish. This guide teaches you how to recognize real Scottish cashmere, where to buy it at fair prices, and which brands are authentic.
Difference between cashmere, lambswool, and virgin wool
Cashmere:undercoat of the Kashmir goat (not Scottish, but the processing is). Soft, warm, lightweight. More expensive.
Lambswool:lamb's wool. Less soft than cashmere, but warm and durable. Average prices.
Merino:merino sheep wool (often from Australia). Very soft, but less warm than cashmere.
Virgin wool:unprocessed wool. Can be of any quality.
Authentic Scottish brands (and where to find them in Edinburgh)
Johnstons of Elgin
Founded in 1797, produces cashmere and wool in its own Scottish supply chains. Store atMultrees Walk(luxury area). Prices: scarf from £70, sweater from £200. Excellent quality, lasts decades. They ship to Italy.
Pringle of Scotland
Historic brand (1815), famous for its argyle patterned sweaters. Store inGeorge Street. High prices: sweaters from £250 and up.
Hawico
High-end cashmere, made in Hawick (a Scottish cashmere town). Store on theRoyal Mile(near the castle). Scarves from £60, sweaters from £180. They also offer customization (initial embroidery).
Edinburgh Woollen Mill
Widespread chain (Royal Mile, Princes Street). Low prices: lambswool scarf for £15, cashmere for £35. Note: many items are made in China, but some are Scottish (check the label). Average quality, good for cheap souvenirs.
House of Bruar
Store on the Royal Mile (small compared to the megastore in the Highlands). High-quality cashmere and tweed. Scarves from £50.
How to recognize a fake "Scottish"
Check the label:it must say "Made in Scotland" (not "Designed in Scotland" or "Hand finished in Scotland" – these are traps). If it says "Made in China" or "Made in Italy", it is not Scottish.
Check the composition:"100% Cashmere" (not "Cashmere blend" or "Cashmere mix" – these have only 10-30% cashmere).
Touch:real Scottish cashmere is soft but not slippery. If it is too smooth and shiny, it may be acrylic.
Price:a scarf in real Scottish cashmere costs no less than £40-50 (on sale). Below £30, it is definitely a blend or fake.
Brand:if the store sells "Scottish Cashmere" without the manufacturer's name, be wary.
Stores to avoid (tourist traps)
Any shop on the Royal Mile with offers like "3 scarves for £20". They are 100% acrylic.
Shops without windows, just stalls inside historic buildings.
"Cashmere Outlet" on the Royal Mile (it's not an outlet, it's a Chinese shop).
Where to buy used or vintage cashmere
Armstrong's Vintage(Grassmarket and Clerk Street): Scottish cashmere sweaters from the '80s-'90s, from £20 to £40. Great quality, because old cashmere was often thicker.
W. Armstrong & Son(yourself, two locations). Check the labels: look for "Pringle", "Ballantyne", "Lyle & Scott".
How much does cashmere really cost in Edinburgh
Scarf (100% cashmere, made in Scotland): £50-80
Sweater (100% cashmere, made in Scotland): £150-250
Hat/gloves: £30-50
Blanket/bedspread: £150-300
On sale (January, July), discounts of 30-50%.
Harris tweed and wool
Harris tweed (Harris Tweed) is another Scottish specialty, handwoven in the Hebrides. Recognizable by the orb mark (cross-shaped logo). Tweed scarves from £25, jackets from £150. Shops:Harris Tweed Hebrideson the Royal Mile.
FAQ
Can I buy cashmere duty-free?
Yes, if you are not a UK resident, ask for the Tax Free form (Global Blue). They refund you 20% of VAT, but after deductions, you receive about 14% net. Only for purchases over £30 in a single store.
Is Scottish cashmere better than Italian?
It's not a matter of better/worse: the raw material (Kashmir goat) is the same. The difference is in the spinning and finishing. Scotland excels in traditional processing.
How do you wash cashmere?
Only by hand with cold water and gentle detergent (e.g. Woolite). Do not wring, lay flat to dry away from heat sources. Or dry clean.
Is cashmere ethical?
Cashmere goats live in Mongolia and China, not in Scotland. Animal welfare varies by farm. Brands like Johnstons of Elgin have ethical certifications (Good Cashmere Standard).
Can I find second-hand cashmere in good condition?
Yes, in the vintage shops of Grassmarket. Check for holes or signs of moths.
What is the best store for a quality gift?
Johnstons of Elgin (Multrees Walk) – expensive but a memorable gift.
Do the castle shops sell authentic cashmere?
Yes, the official castle shop sells products from Johnstons of Elgin and Edinburgh Woollen Mill. Prices are slightly higher than in the city center.
An investment that will warm you for decades.
Theholidays in Edinburghare the perfect opportunity to bring home a piece of Scottish cashmere, but you need to be vigilant. The golden rule: read the label. "Made in Scotland" and "100% Cashmere" are the only two phrases that matter. Avoid too-good-to-be-true deals on the Royal Mile and look for historic shops like Johnstons of Elgin or Hawico. If you have time, vintage offers authentic treasures at low prices. A Scottish cashmere sweater is not just a souvenir: it's an investment that will warm you for decades.
For a complete overview of periods, itineraries, budgets, and transportation in the Scottish capital, check out our complete guide to holidays in Edinburgh.
Review date:March 21, 2026