Cyndi and Alan, owners and proprietors of the Thistle Stop Shop, share a love of fine quality merchandise and all things Scottish!

Cyndi — who is a direct descendant of many prominent Scots, including Kenneth MacAlpin, the first king to unite the Scots and Picts; the great Scots hero, Robert The Bruce, King of Scots; and all the Scottish Stewart kings through James V — is a writer, artist, and poet. She is a member of the Scottish Tartans Authority and a registered tartan designer, and was elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.

Alan, with family links to Clan Cameron and Clan Baird, is a geographer and historian. Amongst other hobbies, Alan has a lifelong interest in historic motor vehicles, especially vintage motorcycles.

Both enjoy reading and learning, travel, good conversation, beautiful houses and gardens, family, and, especially, being in business — and marriage — together. They are grateful to the founders of the Thistle Stop, who established the business over 30 years ago in New Market, Maryland. Since the founders retired, Cyndi and Alan have stepped in to continue the shop's tradition of retail excellence, as well as developing new directions such as the online shop.