Gear

I know its a bit further out but Escape Route in Pitlochry is excellent with very knowledgeable staff. There is also Footprints in Glasgow. Both of these stores are first rate independants

The Tiso Outdoor Experience usually has good stock levels. You also may want to consider coming through to Glasgow for Cotswolds who have a store in Partick which has a good range and also one at Silverburn.

Its been a while since I've shopped in Edinburgh so not sure what other stores they have

I'm not sure when or where you're stoping in Scotland, but [b]Go-outdoors[/b] have a store in Glasgow and one opening inSeptember in Edinburgh.

[b]Cotswold Outdoor[/b] have two in Glasgow, [b]Millets[/b] seem to have quite afew in Scotland and [b]Stewart Cunningham[/b] have a store in Newton Stewart.

Hi. Online is by far the best buying option for outdoor gear. Places such as Tiso's and Gooutdoor shops are great places to try gear and sometimes get advice (forums such as this are also helpful here) without actually buying. You will pay a premium for the advice if you buy good gear in this shops. As a rule high street shops are usually dearer as the web offers such an abundance of bargains.  BTW there is no substitue for research on whatever piece of gear that you would like. Honest, it is an eyeopening experience, as you will find that is you who is not only the customer but it is also you that educated the staff, at least on the bit of kit in question. Get the best deal and the best kit - surf IMHO.

regards Wull from just outside Glasgow

1 Hour from Edinburgh.  Is that walking, driving or flyng ?.

I normally go either to Tiso in Edinburgh or Cotswold in Livingston (for my discount) but both of these  woulld be too close to the city for you.