We find some of the best luxury gifts and indulgent experiences in Scotland
Luxury is much more than the price tag: it’s about the imagination that has gone into the creation of the beautiful object or experience. It’s something we do well in Scotland – cashmere, tweed and tartan grab the finest headlines, but so do whisky and gin, as well as some of the tastiest food served at our tables. Then there are the objects – from paintings to sculptures and jewellery and we shouldn’t forget the iconic architecture through the ages. There’s a strong seam of creativity running through Scotland.
HAMILTON & INCHES
Since 1866, Hamilton & Inches has been the Edinburgh home of fine jewellery, luxury watches and handcrafted silver. Not only are there market-leading brands on display but pieces made by silversmiths, jewellers and hand-engravers in the firm’s own workshops upstairs in George Street. Having held a Royal Warrant since 1893, the company is also investing in the future with the Hamilton & Inches Academy fostering talent among the next generation of craftspeople. This talent goes into designing the Scottish Gold jewellery collection, made from gold, delicately and ethically extracted at the edge of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The rings, pendants, bracelets and earrings make the most of the warmth and lustre of this most precious of metals. Your golden gift will evoke a golden sunset, whisky’s amber glow and the radiant beauty of wild landscapes.
FINNIES THE JEWELLERS
In Aberdeen, the name for jewellery is Finnies. The independent family business was founded in 1957 and now offers an impressive and expertly curated collection of jewellery, which includes Finnies’ own designs. With four goldsmiths, a watch technician and a full-time professional diamond-setter it means that whether they are creating something new or reinvigorating an antique the work is of the highest calibre. It is very much a family business with three generations descended from the founders, Ron and Peggy Finnie. Their daughter Sarah heads up the diamond and jewellery side and son Matthew is in charge of the watches portfolio, while Sarah’s children Dominique and Declan are qualified gemmologists. Although Finnies has embraced e-commerce, its flagship George Street showroom was more than doubled in size during 2020, enhancing the family’s ability to share their passion for jewellery and watches.
LAINGS
Laings understands that purchasing any piece of fine jewellery, diamond ring or luxury watch is an important decision so the familyrun jeweller strives for the best of service, making your purchase a memorable occasion. Established in 1840, Laings is now one of the largest independent jewellers in the UK with stores in four cities including Glasgow and Edinburgh. Founded by brothers in the heart of Glasgow’s Merchant City, the business now is in the hands of the sixth generation of the Laing family. Whether it is a piece of handcrafted jewellery, a Swiss timepiece from the world’s finest brands, or an exclusive objet d’art from Fabergé, that you are looking for, Laings brings 180 years of expertise and peace of mind when choosing the perfect gift.
FITTING GIFTS
LOAKE SHOEMAKERS For our feet a special pair of shoes is pure luxury. Since 1880, Loake Shoemakers has produced some of the world’s finest footwear from its factory in Northamptonshire. Family-owned since the very beginning, the managing director Andrew Corey is the fifth generation and his aim is simply to create handsome, comfortable, and durable shoes.
Loake’s famous Goodyear Welted construction is an intricate process with each pair of shoes taking up to eight weeks to produce. From the design bench to the finishing room, each pair is crafted with an uncompromising attentionto-detail and infused with the individual flair, personality, and magic of dedicated makers. Andrew Corey believes there is no finer way to make a gentleman’s shoe. In Scotland, Loake’s range which includes brogues, trainers and boots, is available from dedicated shops on Edinburgh’s Frederick Street and St Vincent Street in Glasgow
BLUES & BROWNS
The art of dressing is the speciality of Blues & Browns in Perth. Its exclusive design and creative dressing service culminates in clothes with an impeccably hand-tailored fit made from sumptuous and elegant fabrics. In Blues & Browns’ own workroom beautiful clothes are designed to flatter the figure and yet are extremely comfortable to wear. Inspiration for the collections might come from an international style icon or the elegance of a bygone era.
Tartanology reflects the rich drama of Scottish history, the stunning colours of Highland landscapes and is influenced by the heritage and provenance of Scotland’s iconic tartan fabric. Blues & Browns specialises in creating outfits in the tartan of your choice.