Scottish Bookshops

Nestled in the heart of Bruntsfield, Edinburgh Bookshop has been a beloved community hub since 2008. Originally a cozy corner shop, it quickly became an award-winning destination for readers of all ages. In 2024, thanks to the support of its loyal customers, the shop moved to a larger space just steps from Muriel Spark’s birthplace. Today, it features a bright main room with comfy seating and event space, plus a dedicated children’s area filled with books and toys. With author visits, storytimes, and a carefully curated selection of fiction, non-fiction, and children’s titles, Edinburgh Bookshop continues to be a welcoming spot for discovering new stories and celebrating a love of reading.

Located in the heart of Fort William, The Highland Bookshop has been inspiring readers since 2017. Founded by local entrepreneur Angus MacDonald, the shop quickly became a go-to destination for book lovers across the West Highlands. Spread over three floors, it offers a carefully curated mix of Scottish history, fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, and one of the country’s largest collections of outdoor guides and maps. Visitors can explore a dynamic secondhand section, discover graphic novels, folklore, and local art, or simply relax among the shelves. With a passion for stories and community, the Highland Bookshop continues to be a welcoming hub for readers of all ages.

Celebrating over forty years in St Andrews, Bouquiniste is a family-run shop specializing in second-hand books and postcards. Founded in 1982 after running a book stall by the Market Street fountain, the shop draws inspiration from Parisian book stalls along the Seine. Welcoming students, locals, and visitors alike, Bouquiniste has become a cherished destination where generations of readers return to browse, discover hidden treasures, and enjoy the charm of St Andrews’ historic town.

Housed in the historic Greyfriars Hall in Inverness, Leakey’s Bookshop has been Scotland’s premier secondhand destination since 1979. Set within a former 17th-century church, the shop’s vaulted ceilings, stained-glass windows, and spiral staircase create a magical atmosphere for exploring over 100,000 volumes, from Scottish history and classic fiction to rare maps and prints. Revered for its cozy charm, wood-burning stove, and timeless literary ambiance, Leakey’s draws collectors, locals, and visitors alike, offering both in-store discoveries and online access to rare and unusual titles.

Situated in Scotland’s National Book Town, The Book Shop in Wigtown is the country’s largest second-hand bookstore and a renowned destination for readers worldwide. Founded over fifty years ago and run by Shaun Bythell, author of The Diary of a Bookseller, the shop occupies a Georgian townhouse with nine rooms and nearly a mile of shelving, housing around 100,000 volumes. Visitors explore its wood-panelled rooms, creaking floors, and cozy spaces—often accompanied by the resident cat, Captain—while discovering everything from antiquarian treasures to modern paperbacks. As a cornerstone of Wigtown’s literary culture and a participant in the annual Book Festival, The Book Shop combines charm, history, and adventure for book lovers of all ages.