Old Town Context in Edinburgh, United Kingdom

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Telephone:	+44 131 629 0534
Website:	www.oldtowncontext.co.uk
Address:	42-44 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1PB Old Town, Royal Mile
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:	270 ftMarket Street 570 ftJeffrey Street 720 ftSouth Bridge

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Today

Today	–
Local time (Edinburgh)	4:43 PM Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Business hours

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Description

Specialties

It is difficult to convey the broad and varied assortment we offer in store but the department groups offer some clues: Unique Gifts & Cards, Classic Home Accessories, Quality Souvenirs, Vintage Flight, Nautical Objects, Retro Clocks, Exclusive Artwork, Beautiful Globes, Traditional Games & Toys, Nostalgic Advertising and Heritage Brands. We work hard to keep all our prices as low as possible and aim to have products to suit every budget.

History

Established in 2010.

Old Town CONTEXT is a new venture from husband and wife team Andrew & Alice McRae. After our first shop CONTEXT Interiors (located at 79 Morningside Road) won the emerging retailer category at the Scottish Retail Excellence awards in November 2009 we decided it was about time we brought our lifestyle concept to the city centre. And where better than the heart of the Edinburgh’s stunning World Heritage designated Old Town.

Meet the Business Owner

Andrew M.

Business Owner

I am a chartered architect who lives and works in Edinburgh. Passionate about this beautiful city, period property, interiors, classic, retro & vintage design and offering the very best products and service. Also a big fan of independent shops and those who support them over the monotony of the chains on the high street!

Vicinity

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4 reviews of Old Town Context

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Abby B.

Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA

Lots of retro/vintage-inspired souvenirs and knick knacks. It’s a great option if you’re looking to bring back something more unique from Edinburgh, at okay prices.

Heather L.

Place rating: 5
Chesterfield, United Kingdom

I am glad that my 200^th review is on this hidden gem… actually it isn’t that hidden, but I have a feeling that lots of people just walk right on by. In a very different and almost vintage way, it is a souvenir shop. I say that because there were lots of prints, cards, coffee mugs of the city and various British ‘things’, but they are not the types of souvenirs that you would find in the every single store on the Royal Mile… yeah, you know what I mean.
I loved the different prints of the city, my favourite was a very art deco-ish print highlighting the castle in a yellowy-orangish hue against a dark background. They had it as a large print, a card, and a coffee mug. I am now kicking myself that I did not buy it. If you love globes or tin signs, they have loads of them! If you are looking for a different kind of souvenir for someone… or just something for yourself, stop in here because they have some really wonderful items.

Melissa W.

Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA

LOVE THIS STORE!!! I was visiting Edinburgh this week on holiday and was looking for some gifts to take back home with me. I was getting *really* tired of the generic tartan shops filling every inch of High Street when I passed by Context one evening on Cockburn Street. The windows were filled with vintage-style art and postcards. I was captivated… then pissed that the store was already closed for the day! I decided I must stop by the next morning on my way to the train station…
I’m so glad I did! I dragged my suitcase into the store and was overwhelmed by the amount of super cool stuff filling the shelves! They have a lot of cool vintage art and wartime propaganda stuff. I only had a few minutes to shop, but I left with my arms full! The owner was super nice and friendly. This is a great place to go if you’re looking for unique gifts, mugs, or postcards. Definitely stop by and be prepared to spend money because you won’t leave empty handed!

Marj C.

Place rating: 5
Glasgow, United Kingdom

Hello! When did this wee gem spring up?
It’s not really wee, and it looks new — I’m guessing it’s only been on Cockburn Street under a month. Old Town Context is a refreshing, traditional store on Cockburn Street, steering away from the style of the tourist traps on the Royal Mile to offer alternative gift ideas. They have some old English, French and American advert poster art, cards, stationery, gifts, mugs with pin ups on them, clocks made out of recycled glass drinks bottles — a very eclectic and classy selection.
Its inspiration is clearly from bygone era’s, and I was very impressed with their postcard range. They also have some cracking cards and original prints with cats on them. These cats are wearing kilts and rugby shifrts, quoting Burns and other Scottish poets within the print. It’s a very odd idea but entirely up my alley.
Overall a very enjoyable shop for the family. It’s difficult to walk out of here without buying anything.