While we’re all at home, one of the silver linings is that there is more time for reading – well, hopefully! But it’s important not to be too hard on yourself if you can’t read that 500-page epic you’ve always wanted to tackle. Something light and breezy might be just the tonic, especially if you have kids running around!
If you’re looking for a new book to read, now might be a good time to support a local bookshop, if it is safe to do so. While many have sadly closed their doors for the time being, a few shops around the country are fulfilling online orders. 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.
Website: Lighthouse
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!
Website: The Mainstreet Trading Company
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.
Website: Golden Hare Books
Topping & Company Booksellers, St Andrews
This independent, family-run bookshop has been welcoming readers in St Andrews for over six years. 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.
Website: Topping & Company Booksellers
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!
Website: The Bookmark
The Bookhouse, Monifieth
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.
Website: The Bookhouse
Remember too 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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