Scotland offers an incredible blend of medieval history, breathtaking landscapes, and thriving music culture. From browsing record stores in Edinburgh to cruising across Loch Ness and discovering hidden collector shops, there’s no shortage of experiences for travelers who enjoy history, music, and unique local businesses.
In this episode of Denver Metal Things, we continue our United Kingdom adventure by exploring Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands. Along the way we hunt for vinyl records, visit collectible stores, walk centuries-old streets, take in historic landmarks, and journey north to one of Scotland’s most famous destinations.
Whether you’re planning your first trip to Scotland or simply looking for inspiration, here’s a look at what made this adventure so memorable.
Starting the Day in Edinburgh
The journey begins with a traditional Scottish breakfast featuring eggs, toast, back bacon, pork sausage, baked beans, and the famous black pudding.
Fueled up for the day, we explore Edinburgh, a city divided between the medieval Old Town and the elegant Georgian New Town. Walking through the city quickly reveals why it’s considered one of Europe’s most beautiful destinations, with Gothic architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and centuries of preserved history around nearly every corner.
Vinyl Hunting at HMV
Our first stop for music was HMV on Princes Street, one of the city’s primary shopping districts.
Like its counterpart in Ireland, HMV offers a large selection of:
- New vinyl records
- CDs
- Books
- Comics
- Movies
- Music merchandise
The metal selection was particularly impressive, and browsing the shelves made for a great start to our record hunt. Eve also found several albums by Cocteau Twins, one of Scotland’s most influential bands, adding a local touch to her growing vinyl collection.
Walking Edinburgh’s Historic Streets
One of the highlights of Edinburgh is simply exploring on foot.
We wandered through the famous closes—the narrow alleyways branching off the Royal Mile that once closed at night for security during medieval times. Along the way you’ll find historic churches, stone buildings, traditional red telephone boxes, and museums, many of which are free to visit.
Every corner of the city feels like stepping into another century.
Edinburgh’s Haunted History
No visit to Edinburgh would be complete without exploring its darker past.
During an evening ghost tour, we visited several historic sites connected to the city’s legends, including the area known as the Gates of Hell, associated with the 17th-century Covenanters and the infamous Sir George Mackenzie.
Whether or not you believe in ghost stories, Edinburgh’s rich history makes these walking tours a fascinating way to learn about the city’s past.
Wonderland Models: A Collector’s Paradise
One of the biggest surprises of the trip was discovering Wonderland Models.
The store offers an incredible selection of:
- Plastic model kits
- Die-cast vehicles
- Formula One collectibles
- Metal figurines
- Military models
- European and Japanese hobby brands
For collectors, it’s the kind of store where it’s easy to lose track of time while browsing the extensive inventory.
Into the Scottish Highlands
Leaving Edinburgh behind, we drove north into the spectacular Scottish Highlands.
Our route included a stop in Fort Augustus, a charming village located on the southern tip of Loch Ness. One of the most interesting attractions was watching boats navigate the series of canal locks connecting the Caledonian Canal.
It’s a peaceful stop that perfectly captures the slower pace of the Highlands.
Cruising Loch Ness
Of course, no Highland adventure would be complete without visiting Loch Ness.
We boarded a sightseeing cruise to experience Scotland’s most famous lake from the water while taking in the surrounding mountains and dramatic scenery.
Whether you’re hoping to spot Nessie or simply enjoy one of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes, the cruise offers unforgettable views of the Highlands.
Finding the Best Record Store in Edinburgh
Back in Edinburgh, the search for used vinyl finally paid off at Avalanche Records, located near Waverley Market.
This independently owned shop quickly became one of the highlights of the trip thanks to its excellent selection of:
- Used vinyl
- New vinyl
- Independent releases
- Rare pressings
- Local artists
After searching throughout Ireland and Scotland, I finally found a special edition red vinyl pressing from Kneecap, while Eve added another Cocteau Twins album to her collection.
For vinyl collectors visiting Edinburgh, Avalanche Records is a must-see destination.
More Music Shops Worth Visiting
The record hunt continued with stops at Fopp and Underground Solution.
Although Fopp shares a similar layout to HMV, it remains another worthwhile stop for browsing new vinyl, books, comics, and music.
Underground Solution, located on Cockburn Street, offered a completely different atmosphere. The small independent record store featured curated vinyl selections while the employee simultaneously helped customers and spun records throughout the shop, creating an authentic music lover’s experience.
Cockburn Street & Forever Vintage
One of Edinburgh’s most enjoyable areas to explore was Cockburn Street.
Filled with independent cafés, specialty shops, and historic architecture, the street rewards visitors who take their time wandering through its storefronts.
One unexpected discovery was Forever Vintage, which turned out to be much more than a clothing store. Alongside vintage apparel, the shop featured an impressive collection of classic football (soccer) jerseys, including match-worn shirts and memorabilia from legendary players and clubs.
For sports fans and collectors, it became one of the most memorable shopping stops of the trip.
Final Thoughts
Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands offer something for nearly every traveler. Whether you’re interested in history, castles, vinyl records, ghost tours, model shops, or breathtaking scenery, Scotland delivers an unforgettable experience.
Episode 12 of Denver Metal Things showcases both the famous attractions and the hidden local gems that made this journey special. From record hunting and collectible shopping to Loch Ness cruises and medieval streets, it’s a trip filled with discoveries around every corner.
If you’re planning a visit to Scotland—or simply enjoy travel, music, and collecting—watch the full episode for even more recommendations, scenic views, and behind-the-scenes moments from our adventure.
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GZNVpTpZIxA
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