Scottish designers make a useful starting point for a Scotland packing list: a well-made knit, a scarf, a leather bag and shoes chosen for the weather. My St Andrews photos bring together the Old Course, the coast and lunch. I would pack for walking first, then add a dress and small bag for dinner rather than treating every stop as a separate outfit.
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Photo credit: Strathberry
Photo credit: Johnstons of Elgin
Photo credit: Hunter
Scottish Designers to Know Before a St Andrews Trip
Strathberry is an Edinburgh-founded leather-goods brand. Johnstons of Elgin brings a Scottish textile and knitwear history, and Hunter traces its beginnings to Scotland. These are different stories: a bag label, a textile maker and a boot brand. A Scottish origin does not mean that every piece from every label is made in Scotland. Read the product page for the details that matter to you.
Strathberry Mosaic Bag in Black
The Strathberry Mosaic Bag in black is the day-to-dinner bag direction. Its top handle and signature bar detail give simple trousers and a knit a finished look. Check the strap, dimensions and capacity on the current page before deciding whether it holds your everyday essentials. I would use a separate practical bag for a long walk rather than fill a small leather bag with every item from the hotel room.
Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Cardigans
A Johnstons of Elgin cashmere cardigan works over a tee during the day and with a dress for dinner. The link opens the current women’s cardigan range rather than one fixed style. Choose a color that repeats with the trousers, coat and shoes in your bag. Johnstons describes this range as crafted in Scotland. Check the care guidance so a holiday purchase stays useful after the trip.
Hunter Chelsea Boots for Rainy Days
The Hunter Original Chelsea Boots in black are the rubber ankle-boot option. The current page describes waterproof natural-rubber construction. They are town rain boots rather than hiking boots, so try the fit with your travel socks before departure. Bring a familiar walking shoe as well, and choose the pair for the route and weather each morning.
Johnstons Scarves for an Extra Layer
Browse Johnstons of Elgin scarves and stoles for the finishing layer. The Cuyana alpaca wool striped scarf in ecru is the soft neutral that works with every coat in this edit. For dinner, the Tuckernuck long leather gloves in wine dress up the same coat. A scarf is easy to remove indoors and useful when the day feels cooler than the forecast suggested. The collection includes different fibres and sizes, so choose the individual item rather than assuming every scarf in the range is the same. I would start with a quiet neutral or a tartan that works with the coat I already own.
More Scottish Clothing Names to Browse
Le Kilt, founded by Edinburgh-born Samantha McCoach, offers a contemporary approach to Scottish clothing and craft. Pringle of Scotland is another knitwear name to know, particularly for its argyle history. Look at the cut and fabric of the individual piece rather than buying only for a familiar name. A kilt-inspired skirt or an argyle knit can work with simple clothes you already own.
What to Wear in St Andrews
My complete day outfit would be trousers you already like, a simple top, a Johnstons cardigan, a coat suited to the forecast and the Strathberry bag. Add the scarf when needed. Wear Hunter Chelsea boots on a wet town day if they fit you well, or familiar walking shoes for a longer dry route. The coat is the important gap to fill from your own wardrobe; do not expect a cardigan to replace proper outerwear.
If you want a softer knit, the Jenni Kayne Sterling crewneck or the Thatcher crewneck cardigan both layer easily, and a long black Khaite Manston coat covers the outerwear gap for dinner. Check each listing for fiber, fit and care before packing. The Staud Hudson cashmere sweater is another soft layer.
Shop the full collection: buy it here
For dinner, wear one dress that works with the same cardigan and bag. A Scottish shopping theme does not require buying an entirely Scottish-made suitcase. Keep the clothes you already trust, then add one piece you will use after the holiday. If you plan to play golf, pack the correct golf clothing and footwear separately and check the club’s current guidance.
Where to Stay in St Andrews
I have stayed at three different hotels across my St Andrews trips. One year it was the Fairmont St Andrews – my photos show the entrance, the atrium lobby and the lawn games outside. Another year it was Rusacks St Andrews.
On my last trip I stayed at the Old Course Hotel, where the lounges look over the course and the Open Champions board hangs in the hallway. Check each hotel’s current rooms and availability once you have your dates.
Photo credit: Johnstons of Elgin
Photo credit: Khaite
Photo credit: Staud
Things to Do in St Andrews
My Old Course photo is a reminder that St Andrews is worth enjoying beyond a quick golf photograph. Use the official St Andrews Links site to plan golf, tours and access; the course itself is not open for an unrestricted walk. Leave space for the town and coast as well. St Andrews Links visitor information.
St Andrews Cathedral is another place to put on the list. Historic Environment Scotland provides the current access information and guidance for St Rule’s Tower. Check before going rather than relying on an old itinerary or photograph for what is open. Plan a St Andrews Cathedral visit.
St Andrews Castle is the other historic stop by the water, a short walk from the cathedral. Check the current access before you go. Plan a St Andrews Castle visit.
Photo credit: Cuyana
Photo credit: STAUD
Photo credit: Cuyana
Photo credit: Tuckernuck
Leave time for the walk through town itself. Stop into I.J. Mellis, the cheesemonger, on the way toward the castle, passing the Hotel du Vin and Bistro.
Where to Eat: Forgan’s St Andrews
The Forgan’s name is visible in my lunch photograph. Its own site describes a Scottish produce-led restaurant housed in a former golf-club factory. It is a natural food stop to consider during a St Andrews day. Check the current menu and book directly when you have your dates; menus change with the season, so check what is being served when you book. Forgan’s St Andrews.
Darnley’s Gin
Darnley’s gin restaurant is another stop in town for food or a drink before dinner.
A few more plates from the trip, from the table rather than a particular restaurant list:
A Detour to Elie: The Ship Inn
Elie is a small town in Fife, an easy drive from St Andrews. These are my photos of the menu and the fish and chips at the Ship Inn there.
Scotland Packing List for Town, Coast and Dinner
Pack trousers, two easy tops, a cardigan, a scarf and one dinner dress, then choose the coat for the season. Add familiar walking shoes and weather-ready footwear. Keep medicines, travel documents, a charger and an adapter in hand luggage. A compact umbrella can help in town, but the coat still matters. Avoid packing another bag and shoe for every outfit.
For the city part of the same trip, read what to wear in London. A small set of repeatable clothes makes moving between the two much easier.
More destination guides: What to wear in the Scottish Highlands, What to wear in London, Nordic winter guide.
