RadeShop|T-shirts|The Mountain|Tree-Free cards|About Us

Rade is an old Scottish word describing an enterprise or expedition.

It is also the title of the 1st of May celebrations of the Faeries when they cast off their winter rags, dress up in all their new summer finary and ride out on parade. There are some that believe Rade to be a celebration taking place in summer each year. Either way there is no doubt it is a celebration. There are also different beliefs over the use of the spellings Faery or fairy. Some believe that Faery is Scottish, or that it is good and Fairy is evil. In some parts of the country the spelling has always been fairy and no other spelling. Whatever your belief it is our experience that both are used in different ways by many people. No offense is meant or intended in the usage or spellings on this site.
If you have been in touch with the Fairies / faeries and they have clarified matters - let us know.

Close to Loch Lomond, (Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park Link) in the heart the Trossachs Scotland, is the tourist haven and traditional holiday destination of Aberfoyle. On the Main Street sits the Rade Shop, an aladdins cave of gifts, art, books, statues (some limited edition fantasy artist pieces) and many other unusual items that will appeal to both adults and children. Also held in stock is a wide range of The Mountain T-shirts with fabulous designer prints ranging from Fairies and Dragons to the popular animal designs of Wolves and Horses.

The Mountain Tshirts are a very high quality product that are a special import to the UK and can only be purchased through authorised outlets. Many of the designs are copyrights of famous fantasy artists such as Amy Brown, Jessica Galbraith, Brian Froud and the UK's own Linda Ravenscroft amongst others. Some of the dragon T-shirts contain fabulous designs taken from artwork drawings in the Dragon Chronicles Book. Designs are available through the Rade On-Line Shop.

Faery lovers the world over will be delighted to know that Rade Ltd stocks both paperback and hardback versions of The Secret Lives of Elves, Faeries and Fauns also known as The Secret Commonwealth of Elves, Faunes and Fairies. These copies are reprints from the original 1680s manuscript of Rev. Robert Kirk. Robert Kirk was the minister in the parish of Aberfoyle and spent much of his time walking Doonhill (also referred to as the faery hill) and conversing with the fairies that live under the fairy tree. These books make popular presents and the shop has sent copies as far as USA, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa as special orders for mail order customers.

The Rade Shop is run by June and Diana. June is known in the whippet racing world and her own dogs have won many championship medals over the years. You may have noticed that Rade logo portrays a fairy style variation of the goddess Diana with her hunting dogs. If pets are your passion and you want a special treat or accessories for your dog then this could be the shop for you. June stocks a wide range of collars, leads, harnesses and coats, from basics right through to high quality handmade items and she is always available for advice. Her specialist knowledge on whippets, greyhounds and various other dog breeds can help you pick the right designs for your individual pet.

Aberfoyle is known to many people. Historically it was home to one of the largest slate quarry operations. Evidence of the old railway line that transported the slate can still be seen. The line also transported many an early tourist who came to experience the Trossachs. During the war it was used for troop transportation and to bring evacuated children to the Dounans Centre, still used today for groups and schools as an outward bound centre. The area is an access route for Loch Katrine (Loch Katrine website), made famous by Sir Walter Scott's Lady of the Lake written in 1810. Following 2009 Home Coming Year we will be celebrating The Lady of the Lake legend in 2010. Lady of the Lake is a popular selling tshirt - see Lady Avalon (same).

Walking, Cycling, Fishing and many other outdoor pursuits are available in the area.
On the hillside overlooking Aberfoyle stands the David Marshall Lodge with stunning views of the surrounding hills and the Queen Elizabeth Forest where people can today experience the largest Go Ape in the UK. Many activities and events are listed on the website - click here: David Marshall Lodge

Much of Rob Roy's life was spent in this area and the Rob Roy Way passes through the village. The Scottish Wool Centre (for information click here Scottish Wool Centre ) provides a welcome stop and good entertainment for many coach trips and every year in October there is the well known Mushroom Festival. The Mushroom Festival plays host to a new country each year bringing cultural exchange opportunities. For this and other events information can be found on the Visit Aberfoyle Website

Aberfoyle hosts many other events throughout the year but the calendar is by no means full.
Maybe future years will include an event for faery fans too (or even Fairy - whichever spelling is your preference),
perhaps a 1st of May celebration? Or a fairy market?
If you have ideas please contact Rade,
we would be happy to hear from you and to have the chance to explore future opportunities together.

Thank you for reading about us, enjoy your shopping and if you need it here is our contact information:

RADE LTD
Main Street
Aberfoyle
FK8 3UG
Tel: 01877 382101
E-mail: Click Here
Company No: SC 301634
Vat No: 884 561 877