Monorail

12 Kings Court, Glasgow, 0141 552 9458, www.monorailmusic.com
Pick through lovingly stocked, carefully edited alterna-indie vinyl in this musical cubby hole (many would say Scotland’s finest record shop) started by Stephen Pastel (of The Pastels, eh). Heavy woollen jumpers and limited edition vinyl of The Boy With The Arab Strap likely; copies of Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, not so much.

Avalanche

5 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, 0131 659 7708, www.avalancherecords.co.uk
A stalwart of the Edinburgh indie record shops for over 20 years, great for acoustic sessions and recommendations for new homegrown talent. Recently moved to the Grassmarket (between Red Dog and Helios Fountain, for anyone still lost) but still the same well-oiled machine.

Elvis Shakespeare

347 Leith Walk, Edinburgh, 0131 561 1363, www.elvisshakespeare.com
As the name suggests, literature goes hand in hand with music, covering prose, poetry and punk, 1980s dance, country, metal and most things in between. Prices span from mere pounds to £200 a pop for rare collector’s items. Look out for instores with local bands too.

Rubadub Records

35 Howard Street, Glasgow, 0141 221 9657, www.rubadub.co.uk
Focusing on underground, electronic music and DJ/studio equipment (much like Edinburgh’s Underground Solu’shn), Rubadub is a pleasant escape from your hipster hub du jour. Techno, hip-hop, drum and bass, booty, nu jazz, house, funk and crunk are all on offer, as well as some excellent Korg expertise from staff.

LOVEMusic

34 Dundas Street, Glasgow, 0141 332 2099, www.lovemusicglasgow.com
The rebranded/face-lifted version of Avalanche Glasgow, still filled with new and pre-owned records and music DVDs. Well-stocked, with new items arriving six days a week, and responsible for semi-regular instores from local and touring acts.

International Record Store Day takes place on Wed 16 Apr.