Over the past five years, Scottish cities and towns alike have seen a steady surge in what has been coined the ‘Scandi-Scot’ style. Carefully rooted in the shared cultural and historical context between Scotland and Scandinavia, this new style is emerging as a refreshing reminder of our increasingly interconnected world. By drawing on their mutual Norse heritage, rugged northern landscapes, and folklore, a sense of shared identity and community has emerged. This growth reflects an increasing appreciation for simplicity, functionality and authenticity in how we live and create.
It’s no secret that Scandinavia has perfected coffee shop culture, and Scotland has appeared to follow suit. Across Scottish cities, Scandinavian-inspired cafes have slowly but steadily carved out their place on the map. Take well-established chains like Söderberg Cafe, which has seven locations in Edinburgh alone. Or consider the independent cafe FIKA. Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town, FIKA is committed to the “Swedish tradition of taking time to savor coffee, treats, and company.” With minimalist, light-filled interiors and cozy corners, these cafes invite you to become immersed in Scandinavian culture in the heart of the Scottish capital.
It’s not only the big cities where Scandinavian culture is renowned, its influence has even reached the quiet corners of St Andrews. Just down the road, Spoiled Life harbors an eclectic mix of Scandinavian brands like HK Living, A. Kjaerbede, and Silfen. Spoiled Life is also home to distinctly Scottish labels such as IOLLA, demonstrating how these cultures can coexist and complement each other without detracting from one another.
Scottish interiors traditionally evoke thoughts of tartan-heavy, dark-wood-paneled Victorian decor, an opposing aesthetic to the simplicity and restraint that define Scandinavian style. Despite their differences, Nordic sensibilities have begun to quietly pervade Scottish interiors, and they seem here to stay. Their shared interior style has more in common than their shared history. Both Scotland and Scandinavia sit at similar latitudes, experiencing long winters and shorter daylight periods. It’s little wonder then, that the Scandinavian ideal, homes designed for light, focus, and relaxation, has found its feet in Scotland.
Lundies House
Lundies house, perched along Scotland’s North Coast 500 route, perfectly emulates this. Re-purposed from a church manse into a quaint, boutique hotel, the hotel has kept its original charm while embracing Scottish simplicity: “the original wooden floors, cornicing and ceiling rose give the room a period feel, that is quietly underpinned by modern simplicity.” It’s a space rooted in Scottish tradition, but modernized with Scandinavian aesthetics. Mountain views are paired with minimalist interiors featuring neutral tones, uncluttered spaces, and soft textures that encourage relaxation. Above all, it’s a retreat that makes it easy to forget that sweeping Scottish valleys and mountains stretch across the windows outside.
Copenhagen Fashion Week
Copenhagen has recently emerged as the epicenter of fashion, thanks to its unique approach to fashion week. In a manner that European cities like Paris and Milan deem unimaginable, CPHFW flaunts streetwear rather than the glamorous haute couture that feels out of reach for the average person. Through their clothes, Copenhagen seamlessly communicates and promotes an unspoken sense of sustainable simplicity. At the heart of their cause, they seek to put on a show that places our planet first. Sustainable streetwear has also reached Scottish streets. RAINS, a Danish brand, has a store in the center of Glasgow that offers minimalist, practical design. Meanwhile, Treen in Edinburgh curates a refined selection of Scandinavian and Scottish labels, creating a unique boutique experience that blends Nordic style with Scottish design.
Historically, Scotland has long desired, but struggled, to forge its national identity. Yet, the rise of Scandinavian influence begins to look beyond the singularity of Scotland. It is a promising step that, after so many years, its identity is stable enough to allow enrichment from other cultures, rather than overwriting it. This blending of styles represents a confident evolution, one that embraces the versatility of a modern Scotland. By merging tradition with innovation, Scotland has demonstrated that cultural growth doesn’t need to come at the expense of heritage.