UKH

What are the best climbing shops in the Central Belt? I'm in Crieff and a long time out of the scene, but I need a new pair of climbing shoes and Tiso in Perth doesn't have a great range, especially for shoes for wide feet. Does Ratho still have a shop?

No, it closed some time ago. Best bet in Glasgow is probably Tiso's 'Outdoor Experience' up at Townhead. For climbing related things, it has a wider range of products than Buchanan St. I'm not sure about the Edinburgh options.

It’s all chains now in Edinburgh etc. if coming from Crieff though Craigdon in Perth may be an option.

It's been a while since I have bought any new shoes, but Go outdoors used to have a reasonable selection and a wee wall to try them on. Just don't ask for any advice from them, but if you know what you are looking at then they could be ok

Glasgow Climbing Centre and TCA Kinning Park have a reasonable selection of shoes.

Following on from kwoods' suggestion. Eden rock in Edinburgh stock the full range of scarpa, and a few others too. 

Unfortunately the highstreet gear shops don't seem to stock as wide a range as they used to. Happy hunting.

Thanks Fraser, I did say I'd been out of the scene for a long time! The Tiso's offerings online doesn't look very extensive.

Sadly, Craigdon is a shadow of the shop it used to be. It didn't have any climbing gear at all last time I was in.

Thanks. I never think of Go Outdoors, but having had a look online, they may be worth a shot.

Yes, I did wonder if the walls would be a better bet than high street shops.

Thanks - never been to Eden Rock (didn't exist when I lived in Edinburgh!), so this may be the time to investigate!

Sorry, I initially missed the part about your needing shoes. As you say Tiso's selection prob not the best suggestion. 

Nevispsort on Sauchiehall Street and Cotswolds in Partick? Haven't been in either in years so unfortunately can't comment as to what they might stock these days.

Summits in Paisley? Used to be a great shop in the 90s.

Cotswolds sadly a bit of a shell of its former self with regards to climbing kit. I think they moved away from climbing a few years ago, apparently not profitable enough?

Also I'm pretty sure GCC doesn't stock Skwamas at all (what I was looking for) but TCA do.

Yeah, I get the impression as climbing is such a specialist activity most shops nowadays just want you to have the latest waterproof jacket. Plus the obvious influence of online shopping. Bit sad, I used to love going into Nevisport and playing about with new bits of kit.