There is more to Scotland than sheep and haggis.
For antiques and collectibles lovers, there is more to Scotland than bagpipes, haggis, and castles. Read on to learn about everything from Perthshire paperweights to vintage kilt pins in W.O.W. (WorthPoint in the Old World): Scotland’s Best Collectibles.
Scotland: Lochs, Lore, & Legends
The United Kingdom boasts a plethora of antique and collectible finds from north to south, with Scotland in the north as no exception. Being in the chilly north of the island of Great Britain, Scotland is sometimes forgotten about by tourists set on just seeing the lavish royal palaces and spectacular museums of London. However, Scotland is just a short trip by rail from London, whether you arrive in Glasgow or Edinburgh. Glasgow is the biggest city in Scotland in terms of population, while Edinburgh is the country’s capital. These leading cities are rich in Scotland’s arts, culture, and heritage, much of which is influenced by the glorious landscapes of the Scottish lochs, coastlines, and mountains, especially in the Scottish Highlands.
Paperweights in Scotland
Some of my favorite collectibles to seek out in Scotland often show the influence of the verdant landscape in their colors, patterns, and designs: paperweights. Believe it or not, Scotland has had several renowned paperweight factories and artisans over the last 100 years. Perthshire Paperweights was one of the best-known in the business from 1968 to 2002. Perthshire glassworks evolved from both Strathearn and Vasart Glass. Some Perthshire paperweights are easily identified by having a “P” signature cane, often with a date.
Another great Scottish paperweight manufacturer is Caithness, which is still in business and even accepts visitors to the Caithness Factory in Crieff. At one time, they even had a “Make Your Own Paperweight” experience, which sounds fabulous; unfortunately, this is no longer being offered.
Many established Scottish glass factories have had close relationships with individual paperweight artisans over the years, such as John Deacons and the Ysart family. Deacons worked at Perthshire Paperweights for a period but started his own company, “J” Glass, in 1978, which functioned on a smaller scale through the 1980s. Patriarch Salvador Ysart headed the Ysart family, and while he originally hailed from Spain, he set to work as a glassmaker in Scotland with his four sons, the most famous of whom is Paul Ysart. Paul Ysart’s paperweights are highly sought after by collectors, and he is known for his beautiful “coiled snake” examples.
Tartans, Tweeds, & Tees
No visitor to Scotland can avoid the abundance of plaid and wool goods. Did you know that there are over six million sheep in Scotland? This number helps explain the prevalence of everything wool, from sweaters to socks, in every corner shop.
Indeed, Scotland is also known for its tartans and tweeds, the most famous being the Scottish kilt. If you have Scottish ancestors, it is well worth your time searching for the corresponding tartan to your “clan.” All you have to do is search up your surname, and you will be matched with one of the hundreds of matching tartan designs, which you can get in either a kilt or, more practically, some sort of small souvenir like a kerchief or bag.
While it does not have the tartan design, other kilt-related collectibles to seek out are vintage kilt pins. Many of these are silver or gold with intricate designs and precious stone details, and they can also be worn as simple brooches.
Sheep like grass and green pastures, and so do golfers, so it is no surprise that Scotland is home to one of the greatest golf courses in the world: St. Andrews. St. Andrews Links is also one of the oldest courses in the world, with the game played there since the 15th century. Even if you are not a huge golf fan, it is worth visiting the R&A World Golf Museum in St. Andrews to learn the sport’s history and what golf collectors seek out for their collections. Would you pay over $8000 for the 18th-hole flag that hung over the 1978 British Open at St. Andrews?
Charles Rennie Mackintosh
Beyond golf and sheep, seek out the history of artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928). Born in Glasgow, Mackintosh was one of the leading players in the art nouveau movement. Today, visitors to Glasgow can follow the “Charles Rennie Mackintosh Trail” to visit both buildings and collections of furniture and objects by Mackintosh throughout the city.
With the art nouveau style still in fashion today, anything by Mackintosh still fetches top dollar at auction. A simple Charles Rennie Mackintosh side chair sold for nearly half a million at an online marketplace a few years ago.
Visitors to Scotland can find much more budget-friendly Mackintosh goodies, though, from simple tchotchkes to jewelry. Just like in England, if you are seeking out old examples of products by makers such as Mackintosh, do not hesitate to drop in some of the UK’s versions of thrift shops: charity shops. You can’t go wrong with price or selection with charity shops in Scotland if you are looking for vintage or antique goods. Just be sure to get a VAT receipt before you leave!
Brenda Kelley Kim lives in the Boston area. She is the author of Sink or Swim: Tales From the Deep End of Everywhere and writes a weekly syndicated column for The Marblehead Weekly News/Essex Media Group. When not writing or walking her snorty pug, Penny, she enjoys yard sales, flea markets, and badminton.
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