With shops being forced to close for the best part of the last year, businesses have been forced online as a means of keeping themselves going.
A UK-wide survey taken in December showed almost half of British consumers said they will never return to their previous level of in-store shopping. While a blow to the high street, this shift in attitudes has seen an explosion in online selling among small independents.
For example, online marketplace Etsy saw a huge growth last year. The site, which provides sellers with personal online storefronts to sell their products, specifically focusing on handmade items and craft supplies, saw the UK public flock to their website to purchase birthday gifts, treats, Christmas presents and more from its independent sellers.
With the online shopping boom, more Scottish stores have began to open up in Scotland to offer a range a weird, wacky and wonderful products.
As online shopping becomes more prevalent than ever, we invite you to come with us as we take a look at the most unusual, quirky, creative and damn right cool Scottish Etsy indie stores that are trading online right now.
For example, online marketplace Etsy saw a huge growth last year. The site, which provides sellers with personal online storefronts to sell their products, specifically focusing on handmade items and craft supplies, saw the UK public flock to their website to purchase birthday gifts, treats, Christmas presents and more from its independent sellers.
![Hand painted badges, necklaces, earrings and fridge magnets with famous Scottish drinks, slang and more. Sign us up.](https://www.shieldsgazette.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjA1NmNlZDI0LWQ2MDAtNDI5NC04OTQ1LTQ0YWUwZWFiODMyNDo3YTY1YzhmNC0wMjYwLTQ0MmMtYjcyMC1lYzc5NGRiMThhNTM=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
5. Pickled Squid
Hand painted badges, necklaces, earrings and fridge magnets with famous Scottish drinks, slang and more. Sign us up. Photo: Pickled Squid
![There's no doubt about it, these art dolls are as creative as they are creepy. Caroline's designs are full of imagination and takes hours of work. Her art is described by herself perfectly as 'figures of fantastical fantasy'. Bizarre, but we love it. Available to buy via carolinebury.com](https://www.shieldsgazette.com/webimg/b25lY21zOmRiNDc1ZDE1LWQ0MGEtNDE1NC05ZTg4LTQ1Njc1NWUxYmRkYTo1M2M1YzRlMi1kODk2LTRhZmEtOWFiNS03MGRmOTQ3MTQzNDE=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
6. Caroline Bury
There's no doubt about it, these art dolls are as creative as they are creepy. Caroline's designs are full of imagination and takes hours of work. Her art is described by herself perfectly as 'figures of fantastical fantasy'. Bizarre, but we love it. Available to buy via carolinebury.com Photo: Carolinebury.cm
![These dedicated art tablet & pen paintings have been lovingly made by artist Iain McDonald, who has been painting since 2004. Are you looking for specially commissioned photo of your pet? Look no further than this Troon store.](https://www.shieldsgazette.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjk4YjY4ODFlLTI4ZWMtNDJiMS04ZTg0LTA0ZWNmYmI2Y2Y1NjpmMGM3NzIyYi03M2E4LTQ5YjEtODlmNC1lOGIxMzdlYjVjNjc=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=794)
7. Scottie Inspired
These dedicated art tablet & pen paintings have been lovingly made by artist Iain McDonald, who has been painting since 2004. Are you looking for specially commissioned photo of your pet? Look no further than this Troon store. Photo: Scottie Inspired
![These amazing designs by Jaki Rosser are lovingly titled 'Scottish Monsters'. If you have a love for horror movies, or just love dark artwork, then this is where you'll get your kicks. Available on Etsy, but also on Instagram at @dark_dingo.](https://www.shieldsgazette.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjg3MjUwZDJiLWI1NDMtNDdjZi1iODJjLTFlNjJhZTViM2U2OTo0YTU4YzM0NC03OWI3LTRjZGYtYWY3NS1kOWI5YjU0M2QxZGQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=794)
8. Dark Dingo
These amazing designs by Jaki Rosser are lovingly titled 'Scottish Monsters'. If you have a love for horror movies, or just love dark artwork, then this is where you'll get your kicks. Available on Etsy, but also on Instagram at @dark_dingo. Photo: @dark_dingo