Armstrongs

Grassmarket and Clerk Street, Edinburgh, www.armstrongsvintage.co.uk
The grandmamma of vintage shops, its cavernous depths are hung with old furs and flapper frocks, as well as many wearable bargains. Must-stop for fashionistas.

Tam Shepherd’s Trick Shop

Queen Street, Glasgow, www.tamshepherdstrickshop.co.uk
Pretty much our definition of an institution, as it’s been in the same place for over a century, selling practical jokes and funny hats.

Mr Ben’s

King’s Court, Glasgow, www.mrbenretroclothing.com
Another vintage clothing shop, and one responsible for transforming pallid Glasgow Uni freshers into splendidly-Afghaned hipster creatures of the night.

Avalanche

Cockburn Street, Edinburgh, www.avalan cherecords.co.uk; Dundas Street, Glasgow, www.avalan cheglasgow.co.uk
Arguably the Central Belt’s best-loved muso havens. Generally staffed by minor members of Scotland’s indie aristocracy too.

Word Power

West Nicholson Street, Edinburgh, www.word-power.co.uk
Opened by James Kelman in 1994, Edinburgh’s only radical independent bookshop feels increasingly necessary in the current climate. Part local treasure, part rallying point for the community.