The Big Cheese brings more than 50 artisan cheeses to Broughton Street in Edinburgh's New Town

Broughton Street has a new reason to stop and browse. The Big Cheese, an independent cheese shop, opened its doors at 27 Broughton Street in August and has quickly found a loyal following in the New Town.

The shop stocks more than 50 carefully chosen cheeses from Scotland, the rest of the UK and continental Europe. According to the shop, around half of its selection is not found in any other specialist cheese shop in Edinburgh.

Owner Neil Cunningham said the team could never have imagined how many people would come out to support them in the first days, and that the turnout made them feel they had done the right thing in choosing Broughton Street. He has said he wants the shop to be far more than an artisan cheese store, with a relaxed and personal feel and a place in the life of the neighbourhood he calls home.

The counter mixes familiar names such as Isle of Mull cheddar and Gubbeen with more unusual finds, including cheeses smoked over whisky barrel chips, washed in wine or brandy, or coated with garlic and chilli. Head cheesemonger Mia Cowie, who has more than a decade of cheese retail experience, picked artisan options such as St Cera from Norfolk and raw milk Camembert de Normandie for the launch. She is joined by cheesemonger Aidan McKinlay.

Mia has described the shop's mission as celebrating great cheesemaking in all its forms, mixing established favourites with new producers, flavours and styles.

The shop works with as few steps as possible between cheesemakers and customers, and cheeses are cut and wrapped to order at the counter. Alongside the cheese, shelves hold freshly baked bread, chutney, wine and olives, and the shop also offers hampers and gifts.

Tastings are part of the plan too, with ongoing events designed to introduce Edinburgh's cheese lovers to new varieties. With Christmas on the way, a cheese board from a neighbourhood counter is a tempting idea.

The Big Cheese is at 27 Broughton Street, and details of the cheese collection, gifts and upcoming tasting events are on its website.