A Scottish Sojourn
Where to shop and what to pack for a holiday in Scotland.
I just got home from Scotland and I already want to go back. It’s such a magical place full of rich history and kind, hilarious people who welcome you to experience their culture with open arms and a dram of whisky. For our stay, we chose citizenM in Glasgow and Motel One in Edinburgh, both of which hit the MIDDI price point while providing comfortable accommodations in the middle of the action. The entire trip reminded me that visiting a new place and taking part in local traditions for a little while is a profound privilege. It feels good to be exploring again.
The three products featured this week include one beauty essential that made Scotland’s wet and windy weather more manageable plus two local finds. I’ve also included a great way to support Scottish artists so keep scrolling to the end.
Slàinte Mhath!
1. ARKIVE Headcare The Good Habit Hybrid Oil (£14)
Just like In England, the weather in Scotland can be messy. It’s often very windy with regular rain, so I knew I needed to pack the right products to keep my hair looking great from day to day. Adam Reed, the owner of the salon I go to in London, has recently launched a line of hair care products called ARKIVE and this serum is one of their best sellers. A blend of baobab and jojoba oils, it’s deeply nourishing without being heavy at all. When I apply this serum from roots to ends, my hair dries shiny, smooth and bouncy and stays that way.
2. Catcher and Caught Silver Geo Shapes Earrings (£49)
Simple, minimal jewelry never goes out of style. And while I’ve been on a gold kick lately, I kept being drawn to silver styles during my time shopping in Scotland. Each pair of these earrings from sculptural artist and jewelry designer Caroline Ruiz-Gallacher is handmade to order in Edinburgh from solid sterling silver. Featuring an interconnected hoop and triangle, they add a delicate bit of glamour to any outfit without being heavy or bulky. Inspired by architecture, her collection also includes necklaces and rings that look wonderful on their own or layered.
3. Hug Prints by Simone Wood (£18)
Simone Wood is an artist who works with one of Scotland’s signature textiles: Harris Tweed. Wood makes accessories like cufflinks, pouches and flasks in bright, eye-catching shades. During the Covid-19 lockdown, she found herself missing hugs and decided to start sketching and eventually sewing them into unique pieces of textile art using remnants of tweed from her other projects. She reproduced her designs as giclée prints (“Hug 6” shown above) and they really retain the texture of this beautiful fabric. And we could all use more hugs.
Something to think about …
Wherever I travel, I like to shop small and local. Art, home fragrances or jewelry are what I’m usually on the hunt for and I was so glad to find Scottish Design Exchange, a retail space that stocks only Scottish artists and designers, who all get 100% of the profits from their sales. If you’re headed to Glasgow or Edinburgh, be sure to stop in.
Last week on MIDDI …
