I 'do' The Royal Mile at least once every year and have never had a reason to complain of the non-aggressive service in Geoffrey (Tailor), which I make a particular point of visiting, or in Nicholson Highlandwear. I do not know the Hector Russell shop on that street because their branch on Princes Street is much larger and is the one I generally use. The majority of the other 'Kilt' shops on The Royal Mile are best avoided - unless you are an average, disinterested tourist. The Celtic Craft Centre in Paisley Close on the Royal Mile is usually quiet (no-one knows it's there!), but I have ever seen only one sales assistant there and have, in fact, caught her on the 'phone on one visit!

If I have to wait to be served in a 'quality' shop because they are busy I consider it par for the course - it is what we expect. It should be an indication that the customer has the full attention of the sales assistant who is with them. However, if any assistant leaves their customer to answer a ringing telephone, they should be sacked!

Personally, I cannot abide the Touristy shop style of service where you are pounced upon by over-eager and 'pushy' sales staff the moment you put a nose inside the door. I do make a point of visiting some of those shops, just to 'admire' the trashy tatt they have the nerve to display but, were I a serious customer, I'd be out of there in a flash given that style of 'service'.