What better way to relax and unwind than getting stuck into a good book? Perhaps you’re looking for a new find to take on holiday with you, or you’re just looking for a few more to add to your growing collection, if you’re looking for a new book to read, now might be a good time to support a local bookshop.
Since Scotland went into lockdown during Covid-19, many bookshops have taken to the online world to help keep your sparking imagination running by delivering fantastic reads straight to your doorstep. However, many have reopened their doors and you can’t quite beat the atmosphere of a quirky bookshop with hundreds of stories to uncover.
Here are some bookshop across Scotland we think you’ll love, and if you’re looking for Scottish classics to read, then why not take a look at our Scotland in Literature blog for ideas.
Happy reading!
Lighthouse, Edinburgh
Located in Edinburgh’s city centre and long a favourite with students, Lighthouse is a radical bookshop dedicated to making the world a better place. This is a particularly good shop to pick up books about politics, environmentalism and LGBT+ issues, but you’ll find fiction, cookery books and children’s titles here too.
The Main Street Trading Company, St Boswells
Based in the lovely Scottish village of St Boswells, The Main Street Trading Company is a previous winner of Britain’s Best Small Shop (2018). Usually full of people and the smell of coffee, this airy space offers a fab selection of books. Check out their online shop and see what takes your fancy!
Golden Hare Books, Edinburgh
Voted Independent Bookshop of the year at the British Book Awards 2019, you’ll find Golden Hare Books in the Stockbridge area of Edinburgh. They may have closed their doors for now, but online orders are still available. Find the latest fiction releases as well as old favourites.
Topping & Company Booksellers, St Andrews
This independent, family-run bookshop has been welcoming readers in St Andrews for over six years. Whilst browsing Topping & Company, you have good chance of picking up something signed and collectable here, which would make a great gift. Take a look at their website or give them a ring if there is a particular book you would like.
The Bookmark, Grantown on Spey
If you are an avid reader in the Grantown-on-Spey area then you are in luck, local shop The Bookmark is still selling books. This is one for locals only though. Tweet @BookmarkMarjory or phone/email the shop to find out more. The Bookmark has an eclectic range of titles for you to choose from!
The Bookhouse, Broughty Ferry
If you are looking for books in the Monifieth/Broughty Ferry area then take a gander at The Bookhouse. Although the shop is closed, a delivery service to the local area is still running. To place an order or enquire about stock, call 01382 698484 10am-5pm, Tuesday-Sunday, or visit The Bookshelves section of the website.
Byre Books, Dumfries & Galloway
Head to the quirky town of Wigtown in Dumfries & Galloway where you’ll be met by arguably one of the most beautiful entrances to a bookshop in Scotland. Byre Books is a secondhand bookshop that specialises in books on Folklore and Mythology, Theatre, Film and TV, Archaeology, Poetry, and books of Scottish and Gaelic interest – perfect if you want to learn more about Scottish culture and history.
Remember there are lots of online reading groups available to you just now, as well as readings by your favourite authors. Check out the Scottish Book Trust website for more information on reading and writing in Scotland, or explore more independent bookshops across Scotland.
As with many things just now, deliveries and orders are subject to change. If you are an independent bookshop and would like to be added to this list, please comment below.
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