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Vennels and Side Streets

Take a Wander Round Our Vennels and Side Streets  

Packed Full of Quality and Choice 

One of the best things about shopping in Perth is that in only a few short turns you can be off the main thoroughfare and onto one of the many wonderful vennels and side streets that make the city so unique. 

Originally named after the trades that were based there, the vennels are now home to some of our favourite Perth independents and a vast array of artisan gifts, specialist goods and mouth-watering meals.  

Need a pointe shoe fit? We’ve got it. A celebration cake? For sure. Outdoor wear, a personalised trophy or a sculpture of an orangutan – it simply doesn’t get any more indie than this! 

Also leads to: Everywhere

For a flavour of our Vennels & SideStreets ( Part 1), check out this great video short from Kay Gillespie, The Chaotic Scot, who spent two days in Perth city enjoying shopping - and eating! - with our fabulous independent businesses.


 

Precious Sparkle 
Bridge Lane 

Owned by Dawn Cotton Fuge 

Precious Sparkle is, quite simply, a feast for the eyes! A carefully curated mix of homewares, fashion and gifts, it's got somethng for almost everbody.

Dawn and her team ensure this lovely lifestyle store is the place to go for something extra special. 

Their selection makes shopping easy and inspiring, and includes probably the largest selection of scented candles in Perth, reed diffusers,leather and vegan leather handbags,unusual glassware, gorgeous ceramics, fancy cushions, and bath & body products.  

They also stock a range of stylish design-led and sustainable ladies' fashions from Yaya,B Young, Louche, Sugarhill Brighton, One Hundred Stars, Jumper 1234, and Les Touristes, as well as a vast range of scarves and other fashion accessories.

The jewellery range reflects the shop’s beginnings as a gem specialist and offers a stunning selection of silver, gold and fashion pieces from all over the world, particularly Paris !

TOP TIP: Get ready to smile! This gorgeous independent has the added bonus of a beautiful mural by celebrated artist Kelsey Montague on its gable end, making it a perfect Insta-Pic-Stop.

 

Precious Sparkle > 

Boo Vake 
Watergate 

Owned by Arlene Baird

Boo Vake originates from Bùth Bheag, which means little shop in Scottish Gaelic.

This lovely wee independent shop has been a staple of the city since 1993.   

Always delivering something unusual and beautiful for that perfect gift.

Arlene specialises in playful and practical contemporary products from artists, makers & designers, most of whom are based in Scotland.  

Here you will find fantastic ceramics, gorgeous wearables and quirky homewares.

The shop has a love of colour and textures, and an appreciation of well designed and constructed products that you'll want to live with for a very long time.  

 

Boo Vake > 

Big Air Clothing 
Watergate 

Owned by Gary and Liz Paterson 

Big Air Clothing, the brainchild of Gary and Liz Paterson, is a Perth-based independent clothing brand that has been inspired by their own family’s big life adventures.  

The range boasts colourful hoodies, t-shirts, jackets, cargo pants, and joggers, as well as technical snowboarding clothing, and everything is available from kids to adult sizes.  

Pop in for a visit, and bag the coolest attire for your next big adventure! 

 

big air clothing >

Jardine Galley and Workshop 
New Row 

Owned by Julian Jardine 

This independent gallery is owned by the fabulous ceramic sculptor, Julian Jardine.    

Julian’s work in wildlife sculpture is renowned as being full of expression and intricate detailing.

You will find many examples of this in the gallery including his famous orangutan collection.  

The gallery is a host to other fantastic art works from largely Scottish artists, themed around nature and wildlife.

There is a wide range of mediums to choose from, including ceramics, woodcut, miniatures, jewellery, and glass.  

Whether it’s a lifelike robin to sit on the mantel, or a limited-edition rabbit print, Jardine’s Gallery is the place to be for both art lovers and nature enthusiasts.  

 

Jardine Gallery >

Celebration Station  
North Port 

Owned by Elizabeth and Angela Cowan  

This tasty treat of an independent opened in 2003 but Elizabeth and daughter Angela have been baking up a storm since 1991.

North Port is now a hub of baking activity and it is here that they lovingly create personalised cakes and cupcakes for all occasions and celebrations.  

Customers can view and discuss their needs for weddings, birthdays, corporate events, and special gifts, and you can pick up party goods, banners, and sugar craft items for the baker in your life!  

So let Celebration Station do the work and you can sit back and enjoy the handmade delight. 

 

Celebration Station > 

The Picture Frame Maker
Skinnergate

Owned by Chris Anderson

Chris the helpful owner of The Picture Frame Maker has over 20 years’ experience.

There is a range of services offered from this lovely shop, such as restoration, or handmade gilded frames,

Whether you want to frame one of your latest works of art or just a lovely family photo, they have the skills and knowledge to help and advise you to the right frame.

The Picture Frame Maker offer an excellent framing service to suit a range of budgets.

 Or if you are in the market for some beautiful art, there is an ever changing array of great works for sale. 

 

The Picture Frame Maker

Elegance of Perth 
Atholl Street 

Owned by Linda Wilson and Kayti Masson 

What the sisters of Elegance of Perth don't know about hats, isn't worth knowing! Started by their mum in 1988, Elegance of Perth has been dressing the heads of the ladies of Perth and beyond ever since. 

With over 1,000 hats in stock, in all colours, shapes and sizes, Kayti and Linda are sure to have the perfect headpiece or hat for you.

Whether you are looking to WOW or hoping for subtle sophistication, the ladies can assist with headwear for weddings, race days and unique events.  

As well as designing and handmaking their own original designs, the small team of milliners also offer a bespoke service, ensuring you find that exact colour match when the occasion calls for perfection!  

Caring customer service, years of experience, and genuine craftspeople – a visit to Elegance will leave you feeling fabulous in your new hat.  

 

elegance of perth >

The Cheese Byre 
Atholl Street 

Owned by Catherine Lovie 

Located on Atholl Street, The Cheese Byre is an independent, family-run business.

Offering a large selection of local and imported cheeses and a variety of other premium goods.  

Opened in 2019, the team have quickly established themselves as a go-to for quality sharing platters, cheese gift boxes, and cheese towers – all of which are perfect for any occasion.  

Of course, you can also pop in and pick up cheeses, eggs, charcuterie and pantry products such as olives, chickpeas and beans.  

 

The Cheese Byre >  

Loretta’s Collections of Perth 
Murray Street 

Owned by Loretta Govil

Loretta’s Collections of Perth is a long-established independent fashion shop specialising in occasion-wear and smart daywear including knitwear and jeans from size 8-26. 

Featuring a fantastic choice of designers such as Ronald Joyce, Condici, John Charles, Irresistible and Ispirato, Carmen Melero and Gabriela Sanchez, as well as beautiful casual wear including Joseph Ribkoff, Frank Lyman and Emily Lovelock.

They also offer a tailoring and fitting service.   

Loretta and her experienced team are on hand to assist you and will ensure you leave feeling like a million dollars! It's no wonder that clients come back time and time again.  

 

Loretta's Collections of Perth > 

The Bee’s Flower Shop 
Hospital Street 

Owned by and Tanya and Katie Burnett

Located in Hospital Street, The Bee’s Flower Shop offers beautiful floral arrangement and bouquets, as well as gifts such as honey, jam, jewellery and candles.   
 
Tanya and daughter Katie, specialise in traditional bouquets and use only the freshest of flowers to create their beautiful designs.   

Their shop range includes local and Scottish produce such as Heather Hills honey, Chocolate Tree bars, and Beauty Scents candles.

Making it an ideal little shop for picking up treats for yourself or a gift for that special someone. 

 

Bee’s Flower Shop > 

Arabesque 
Hospital Street 

Owned by Sharon Colburn 

Arabesque has been dressing the dancers of Perth – and beyond – since 1988. Located on Hospital Street, they have built a reputation as one of Scotland’s leading dancewear specialists and welcome everyone from beginners to professionals.  

Covering ballet, tap, Highland and jazz, you will also find a fantastic selection of leotards, shoes and accessories from leading brands including Bloch, Capezio & So Danca, and niche labels such as Temps Danse and Dansez.  

As well as this, Sharon is a specialist pointe shoe fitter and offers appointments from Wednesday to Saturday, and by special arrangement.  

 

Arabesque >

Frames Gallery 
Victoria Street 

Owned by Hugh Goring 

Frames Gallery started in 1979 as a picture framers, and while this remains a hugely important part of the business, it is the Gallery that opened in 1991, that has placed them firmly on the Scottish arts map. 

Exhibiting exciting works from contemporary Scottish artists and makers, Hugh has created a warm and inviting space that features paintings, limited edition prints, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery and more.   

Visiting exhibitions rotate regularly, and Frames has a clear policy of showing the best in Scottish contemporary art and craft and actively promoting emerging artists alongside the more well-established ones. 

 

frames gallery >

The Perth Distillery Co. 
George Inn Lane 

Owned by Iain McDonald

At first glance, The Perth Distillery Co is a simple, little gift shop tucked under the Royal George Hotel, but venture further and you will discover it is in fact home to the award-winning Perth Gin.  

Hand crafted in two lovely copper alembic stills, named Meg and Bel after the founders’ mothers, the full range is on sale right here: original gin, blood orange gin, pink gin, and their winter spiced gin liqueur. 

They also stock a range of cards, gifts and other locally made goods, and can offer tours and tasting experiences on booking. 

 

 the perth distillery co >

City Contemporary Art Gallery 
Charlotte Street 

Owned by Tom Barron 

Tom Barron, artist and owner of this beautiful gallery located on Charlotte Street, has decades of experience in gallery presentation and the sales of fine art and prides himself on ensuring customers are sensitively and honestly advised. 

Presenting a carefully curated representation of the United Kingdom’s talented, and established and upcoming influential artists, the gallery is a must-visit destination for anyone serious about building their collection – or creating a beautiful home.   

The collection features artists such as David Page, Sarah Carrington, Fiona Matheson, and internationally acclaimed artist Gerard M Burns.  

City Contemporary Art > 

The Black Watch Castle & Museum, Gift Shop and Castle Bistro 
Hay Street 

Owned by The Black Watch Regimental Trust Charity

Located in the entrance to this five-star visitor attraction, the popular Castle Gift Shop is a destination visit in itself.  

They are the proud stockists of regimental memorabilia and Black Watch branded products, as well as year-round Poppy products such as brooches, scarves and homewares. 

As well as this, they offer a delightful range of quality gifts including Harris Tweed bags and purses, Arran Aromatics bath and beauty products, pocket money toys, homeware, jewellery, and locally sourced food and drink.  

Friendly, knowledgeable staff will ensure a memorable shopping experience awaits you. 

 

The Black Watch Castle and Museum Gift Shop > 

McCash’s Country Store 
Feus Road 

Owned by Alistair Muirhead

McCash’s Country Store is surely Perth’s longest-standing independent, established as it was in 1746 by James McCash. Situated on the outskirts of the city centre, this bona fide institution has been serving farmers, horse riders, pet lovers and green-fingered gardeners for over 250 years!   

Deeply knowledgeable, the team here take great pride in their reputation and will endeavour to assist you with all your animal – and human! – needs. They are always happy to meet new customers, learning from real life experiences and working out how they can best build a long-lasting relationship that serves you and your animals. 

As Perthshire’s largest supplier of horse feeds, poultry feeds and wild bird feeds, they cannot be beaten, and they also stock pet toys and accessories, and have own recipe complete dog foods and frozen RAW foods that are unique to them. 

As well as this, they provide warm, waterproof clothing and footwear, and everything you might need to care for, ride and look after your horse. 

McCash's Country Store > 

 

For a flavour of our Vennels & SideStreets ( Part 2) , check out this great video short from Kay Gillespie, The Chaotic Scot, who spent two days in Perth city enjoying shopping - and eating! - with our fabulous independent businesses.

 

Cafes, Tearooms and Restaurants in Vennels & Side Streets in Perth