The Story of Macraes of Edinburgh
Set along the lower Canongate at 208 Canongate, Macraes of Edinburgh represents a steadfast, family-operated Scottish woollen outfitter that has served Royal Mile visitors and Edinburgh locals for decades. In an era dominated by large commercial conglomerates, Macraes maintains the warm personal hospitality and honest product curation of an authentic independent merchant house.
The boutique is housed inside a classic Canongate stone tenement, with traditional wooden display shelving stocked high with genuine Scottish-spun lambswool and pure cashmere garments. Macraes prioritizes authentic domestic manufacturing, sourcing classic crewnecks, v-neck sweaters, and cardigans directly from heritage knitting mills in Hawick and the Scottish Borders.
Beyond classic knitwear, the store is known for its collection of authentic Scottish clan blankets, heavyweight wool travel rugs, Fair Isle yoke jumpers, and woollen walking socks built for rugged Highland trails. The family proprietors offer friendly, knowledgeable guidance on sizing and knit care, ensuring customers receive genuine Scottish textile value backed by generations of retail integrity.
Signature Specialties & Crafts
Key Venue Highlights
Traditional family-owned Canongate shop specializing in authentic Scottish Border woollens
Fine gauge lambswool and cashmere knitwear from heritage mills in Hawick and Selkirk
Comprehensive collection of Scottish clan tartan scarves and luxury fringed travel blankets
“Look for their Hawick-spun classic crew-neck lambswool sweaters—dyed using soft Scottish Border water for exceptionally rich, enduring color fastness.”
Tax-Free & Overseas Shopping Advice
Full export receipts supplied for overseas travelers.
Direct overseas export zero-rates UK 20% VAT on qualifying purchases dispatched to non-UK residential addresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the lambswool knitwear at Macraes manufactured?
Macraes sources the majority of its lambswool knitwear from traditional mills in Hawick and the Scottish Borders, celebrated for world-class spinning.
Is this store family-owned and independently run?
Yes, Macraes is an independent family-operated Scottish retail business with deep roots on the historic Canongate corridor.
Do you offer shipping abroad for overseas travelers?
Yes, the team regularly arranges tracked international delivery for packages, with UK VAT deducted for non-UK destinations.
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