40 Scottish Book Stores Worth Visiting For All Kinds Of Readers
Plan a book-filled trip with 40 Scottish bookstores from Edinburgh to the islands, including hidden gems and must-see classics.
Author:Callum FraserDec 01, 20252.1K Shares196.4K Views
Where To Find The Best Scottish Book Stores (40 Great Stops)
Scotland is a dream place for people who love books. You might step into a huge old church filled with second-hand treasures, then later find a quiet little shop by the sea. Wherever you go, the feeling is the same: books chosen with care, and spaces made for slow browsing.
Below are 40Scottish book storesworth visiting across the country. Some are famous names in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Others are small-town and island gems you could walk right past if you didn’t know they were there. Use this list to plan a book-filled trip, or to find a new favourite shop close to home.
1. The Bookshop, Wigtown
Location:Wigtown, Dumfries & Galloway
Scotland's largest second-hand bookshop features over a mile of shelving and more than 100,000 titles. The shop sits in Wigtown, Scotland's National Book Town, a village that celebrates literature year-round.
Owner Shaun Blythe wrote four books about his experiences running this remarkable shop. The store also has a resident cat named Captain, who's friendly to book lovers but not fond of dogs.
You'll find everything from rare antiquarian volumes to affordable paperbacks. The shop opens Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm throughout the year.
2. Leakey's Bookshop, Inverness
Location:Church Street, Inverness, IV1 1EY
Housed in an 18th-century Gaelic church, Leakey's stands as Scotland's largest second-hand bookshop. The building dates back to 1649, though it was rebuilt in 1792 and reconstructed again in 1822.
Over 100,000 books fill the two-story space. A wood-burning stove sits right in the center, keeping visitors warm during Highland winters. Spiral staircases lead to gallery spaces packed with more books.
The shop has become famous on social media, with many visitors comparing it to the Hogwarts library. Charles Leakey founded the business in 1979, and his family still runs it today.
3. Topping & Company, Edinburgh
Location:Greyfriars Garden, Edinburgh, EH3 5AQ
This family-owned bookshop opened in 2019 in Edinburgh's Georgian New Town. The store stocks over 70,000 titles, making it the city's largest independent bookshop.
Rolling ladders give the shop a classic library feel. Staff offer complimentary tea to customers who want to settle in with a book. The shop hosts year-round author events, which the owners describe as their own literary festival.
You'll find many signed first editions throughout the store. The knowledgeable staff can help you discover your next favorite book.
4. Voltaire & Rousseau, Glasgow
Location:12-14 Otago Lane, Glasgow, G12 8PB
Named after two famous French philosophers, this quirky West End bookshop has attracted adventurous readers for over 40 years. The shop hides down a narrow lane off Byres Road.
Books pile high throughout the store with no obvious order. The entrance section sells everything for £1. A resident cat named BB lives among the stacks.
Fresh stock arrives daily. You'll find fiction, classical studies, Scottish history, science, sheet music, and comics. The owners welcome visitors who just want to read, warm up by the fire, or escape the rain.
5. The Edinburgh Bookshop, Bruntsfield
Location:219 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4DH
Founded in 2007, this award-winning shop earned the title of Scottish Independent Bookshop of the Year in 2018. The store sits on Holy Corner between Morningside and Bruntsfield.
The shop specializes in fiction and children's books. Twice-weekly Story Time sessions for children under five prove particularly popular with families.
Staff host regular author events both in the shop and online. Their knowledge and passion for books make them excellent guides for finding your next read.
6. Main Street Trading Company, St Boswells
Location:Main Street, St Boswells, TD6 0AT
This award-winning bookshop, café, deli, and home shop sits in the beautiful Scottish Borders village of St Boswells. The Telegraph named it Best Bookshop in 2012. It also won Scottish Independent Bookshop of the Year in both 2011 and 2012.
Over 7,000 titles stock the shelves with special emphasis on an extensive children's section. The "Book Burrows" provide beautiful dens where children can sit and listen to audiobooks.
The shop hosts author events featuring major writers from Michael Morpurgo to Kate Mosse. You can enjoy the café and deli while browsing books.
7. This Way Up, Dundee
Location:85B Perth Road, Dundee, DD1 4HZ
This independent bookshop doubles as a record store, making it perfect whether you want a good read or good music. The shop stocks a carefully curated selection of books across various genres.
You'll find both new releases and classic titles. The music section complements the literary offerings with vinyl and CDs across different genres.
The shop's dual focus on books and music creates a unique cultural space in Dundee. Staff can help you discover both reading and listening recommendations.
8. Young's Interesting Books, Glasgow
Location:18 Skirving Street, Shawlands, Glasgow, G41 3AA
This small, quirky bookshop lives up to its name. One of the Southside's few independent bookshops, Young's emphasizes quality over quantity.
The eclectic collection includes Penguin collectibles, vintage items, modern pulp, and Scottish classics. Shelves overflow with curiosities alongside standard second-hand paperbacks and hardbacks.
Passionate and knowledgeable owners run the shop. They're more than happy to help you find what you're looking for in their treasure trove.
9. Caledonia Books, Glasgow
Location:Near Great Western Road, Glasgow
This orderly shop specializes in rare books and out-of-print titles. You'll find it just around the corner from Voltaire & Rousseau on Great Western Road.
The shop maintains a selective, predictable stock that includes limited edition art books, literary fiction, books about Scotland, and philosophy. The collection reflects a more genteel era of bookselling.
You’ll also spot plenty of famous Scottish people, from major writers to cultural figures, tucked through the Scottish history and biography shelves.
10. The Old Aberdeen Bookshop, Aberdeen
Location:Tillydrone Avenue, Old Aberdeen, AB24 2UR
This Aberdeen-based shop has bought and sold second-hand books for over 20 years. The collection spans more than 7,000 books in hardback and paperback.
The shop specializes in academic literature, classics, modern fiction, Scottish books, and local interest titles. It stands as Aberdeen's only non-charity second-hand bookshop.
Books sell at a fraction of high street prices. The quality selection makes it worth visiting if you're in Aberdeen.
11. Yeadon's Of Elgin
Location:32 Commerce Street, Elgin, IV30 1BS
Established in 1887, Yeadon's ranks as one of Scotland's oldest continuously trading bookshops. The beautifully decorated shop stocks a carefully chosen, eclectic selection.
You'll find books, stationery, and pens displayed with care. The staff can discuss books you're looking for, those you've seen reviewed, or titles you didn't know you wanted to read.
They source signed and special editions whenever possible. The shop also tracks down out-of-print or hard-to-find books.
12. The Portobello Bookshop, Edinburgh
Location:Portobello, Edinburgh
This independent bookshop serves Edinburgh's seaside community of Portobello. The shop offers books and signed editions for delivery or collection.
Staff curate a thoughtful selection across genres. The store regularly hosts author events and maintains an active calendar.
The seaside location makes it a pleasant destination for a book-shopping trip combined with a beach walk.
13. Tills Bookshop, Edinburgh
Location:Near the Meadows, Edinburgh
Opened in 1985, Tills overlooks the picturesque green space of the Meadows. This treasure trove of second-hand finds stocks large sections of contemporary and classic fiction.
You'll also find sci-fi, history, philosophy, and other genres. The shop has built a loyal following over nearly four decades.
The location near the Meadows makes it easy to buy a book and find a quiet spot to start reading immediately.
14. McNaughtan's Bookshop, Edinburgh
Location:Haddington Place, Leith Walk, Edinburgh
Founded in 1957, McNaughtan's stands as Scotland's oldest second-hand and antiquarian bookshop. The basement shop still occupies its original location.
Antique books fill the space from floor to ceiling and even around doorframes. The selection ranges from history and travelto literature and illustrated children's books.
They also buy old and rare books. Within McNaughtan's gallery space, you'll find Typewronger Books, which sells new books and second-hand typewriters while offering typewriter repairs.
15. The Wedale Bookshop, Stow
Location:Village of Stow, Scottish Borders, TD1 2SA
Established in 2023, this inclusive independent bookshop serves the Gala Water valley, Galashiels, Lauder, and beyond. The shop sits on the A7 and Borders Railway, making it easily accessible by public transport.
The two-story shop stocks thousands of titles. Strong sections include popular and literary fiction, crime fiction, history and culture, travel, cookery, gardening, poetry, and more.
Growing ranges cover folklore, witchcraft, and Scottish Borders history. Children's books have specially created spaces with areas for toys and coloring.
16. Border Reader Bookshop, Melrose
Location:Near Melrose, Scottish Borders
This small second-hand bookshop sits in a tranquil spot between the Eildon Hills and the River Tweed, about two miles from Melrose. The select stock includes quality contemporary fiction and classics.
You'll find poetry, philosophy, the arts, academic subjects, history, science, and classical music CDs. The shop occupies an old dairy farmhouse that also houses a café and showrooms selling furniture, antiques, and crafts.
Beautiful woodlands overlook the river. You can visit the Old Melrose Interpretation Centre to learn about the original abbey site.
17. Bookpoint, Dunoon
Location:2A Ferry Brae, Dunoon, PA23 7DJ
Cowal's independent bookstore offers 9,000 titles an unusually large selection for a small shop. The store also serves excellent coffee and home baking.
Outstanding specialist selections cover maritime, Scottish and local history, children's books, military history, green topics, and adventure sports. You'll also find art, biography, cookery, design, environment, fishing, golf, and much more.
Staff can order from a database of 5 million books. The book club meets in the shop on the second Wednesday of each month.
18. Atkinson Pryce Books, Biggar
Location:27 High Street, Biggar, ML12 6DA
This small, friendly local bookshop offers a warm welcome and relaxing atmosphere. The carefully chosen selection spans various genres and interests.
The shop serves the Biggar community and visitors to this Lanarkshire town. Staff provide personal service and recommendations.
A nice touch is how often the shelves highlight Scottish authors, so you can easily pick up a local novel, poem, or memoir while you browse.
The welcoming environment makes it a pleasant place to browse and discover new books.
19. Inkspot & Silverleaf Booksellers, Bo'ness
Location:76-78 South Street, Bo'ness, EH51 9HA
This independent bookshop serves Bo'ness near Falkirk. The store stocks a range of books across genres and subjects.
Staff provide knowledgeable service to help customers find what they need. The shop contributes to the local community's literary culture.
The location makes it accessible for residents of Bo'ness and nearby areas.
20. Curly Tale Books, Wigtown
Location:18 North Main Street, Wigtown
This children's bookshop in Scotland's National Book Town specializes in new and second-hand books for young readers. The shop also sells gifts, cards, and toys.
Author visits and activities make it engaging for families. The focus on children's literature helps develop young readers' love of books.
The location in Wigtown means you can combine a visit with exploring other bookshops in Scotland's Book Town.
21. Looking Glass Books, Edinburgh
Location:36 Simpson Loan, Edinburgh
This bookshop features tables made from chessboards, cozy sofas, and big slices of cake. The shop sells cool merchandise from US brand Out of Print.
Kids' drama workshops and a writer in residence add to the community feel. The events program focuses on new writers.
The welcoming atmosphere makes it a gathering place for readers and writers alike.
22. Bouquiniste, St Andrews
Location:St Andrews
Bill Anderson opened Bouquiniste in 1982 after discovering he enjoyed selling books from a street stall. He promises you can find books of all kinds except mathematics unless you want a history of mathematics.
Books fill all six sides of the shop. The collection changes regularly based on what becomes available.
The eclectic selection means you never know what treasures you might discover during a visit.
23. J&G Innes Ltd, St Andrews
Location:St Andrews
This family-run enterprise has passed through four generations since John Innes established his publication business in 1879. The firm purchased the corner shop in 1927.
The beautiful building deserves a moment to admire its architecture. Inside you'll find books, stationery, art supplies, and gifts.
The store excels at children's books and local publications unique to the area. A Scottish oak staircase leads to an upstairs art gallery.
24. Yeadon's Of Banchory
Location:20 Dee Street, Banchory, AB31 5ST
The younger sister of Yeadon's of Elgin focuses primarily on antiquarian and out-of-print books. The range also includes guidebooks, maps, Scottish history, children's books, bestselling fiction, and local publications.
The out-of-print section emphasizes Scottish and local history, military history, travel, exploration, steam railways, field sports, literature, and art. Staff can track down specific titles for customers.
The shop recovered from Storm Frank in 2015, which destroyed about 10,000 books. Today it continues serving readers throughout Deeside.
25. Logie Steading Bookshop, Forres
Location:Logie Steading Visitor Centre, Dunphail, Forres
Part of the Logie Steading Visitor Centre, this bookshop stocks predominantly second-hand books across many subjects. The range of new books grows with focus on local authors and Scottish-themed fiction and non-fiction.
Maps and walking guides suit the beautiful Findhorn valley setting. Nearby attractions include river walks, gardens, a children's play area, and small local businessesincluding a café.
The shop plans signings and storytelling events. Its location within the visitor center means you can combine book shopping with other activities.
26. Stirling Books, Stirling
Location:Near the Thistles Centre, Stirling
This second-hand bookshop features over 10,000 volumes with specialization in rare and antiquarian books. The shop also serves freshly brewed coffee and sells unique curiosities.
Comfortable seating encourages visitors to relax with a book and a coffee. The shop hosts book clubs, book signings, charity fundraisers, live music sessions, and poetry events.
Most stock is available online through ABE Books or Amazon. The shop won Bookshop of the Year twice and maintains a rustic, welcoming atmosphere.
27. Tackle And Books, Tobermory
Location:Isle of Mull, PA75 6NU
This frequently photographed shop sits within view of where the Tobermory Galleon sank in 1588. From the shopfront, you can watch dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks, otters, and eagles.
Established in 1975, the general bookseller focuses on natural history and the Scottish islands. The building retains oak cupboards and drawers from when it served as a chemist.
Customers value it for information on the history, geography, and wildlife of Mull and other Scottish islands. The shop hosts the Tobermory Book Festival and author signings.
28. Carmina Gadelica, Portree
Location:Isle of Skye
This specialist bookshop stocks fiction, geology, local history, and books on the Scottish Highlands and Islands. The shop prides itself on stocking books people can't find elsewhere.
They support local authors and host events. The shop sells local books online as well as in-store.
The focus on Highland and Island literature makes it valuable for visitors wanting to learn about Skye and the surrounding area.
29. Ullapool Bookshop, Ullapool
Location:Ullapool
This family-owned shop has served customers since 1988, making it the most northwestern bookshop in mainland Scotland. The store specializes in books about the Scottish Highlands and Islands.
You'll find extensive selections on the Great Outdoors, particularly hill-walking, kayaking, and cycling. Other strong sections include general history, geology, children's books, biography, and general fiction.
The shop also stocks local and national Ordnance Survey maps, guides, and fishing guides for the surrounding area.
30. Highland Bookshop, Fort William
Location:High Street, Fort William
The Highland Bookshop opened in 2017 as Fort William's first specialist bookshop. The store proudly occupies one of the biggest shops on the bustling pedestrianized High Street.
Since opening, staff have organized hundreds of author events. The huge support led them to expand into an upstairs floor, doubling their space.
The selection includes cookbooks and a wonderful children's section. Scottish books feature prominently, making it perfect for learning about the Highlands.
31. The Watermill, Aberfeldy
Location:Mill Street, Aberfeldy, PH15 2BG
Set in a restored watermill in Highland Perthshire, this unique venue combines a bookshop, art gallery, music shop, and café. The New Yorker included it in their collection of the world's 75 greatest bookshops in 2016.
National Geographic named it among the UK's top seven bookshops and cafés in 2022. The location connects to literary history Robert Burnswrote his poem "The Birks of Aberfeldy" about the nearby woodland.
You'll find books alongside artwork and music in this light-filled space. The café serves food and drinks while you browse.
32. Armchair Books, Edinburgh
Location:72-74 West Port, Edinburgh, EH1 2LE
This small, family-run bookshop packs towering shelves from floor to ceiling just steps from Edinburgh Castle. Books fill every available space, creating what the owners describe as "very nearly alphabetized chaos."
The collection ranges from contemporary titles to volumes that look museum-worthy. The cramped quarters mean you'll brush shoulders with other book hunters, but the treasures make it worthwhile.
Social media has made this one of Edinburgh's most photographed bookshops. The aesthetic captures everything people love about independent shops.
33. Hyndland Bookshop, Glasgow
Location:143 Hyndland Road, Glasgow, G12 9JA
Two former librarians founded this neighborhood bookshop in Glasgow's West End. Their background shows in the store's exceptional order and organization.
The carefully selected range includes fiction, non-fiction, and children's books. You'll also find arthouse DVDs, greeting cards, and other items.
The shop has served the community since 1982. It moved to its current location over 25 years ago and continues giving radical voices a place on its shelves.
34. Lighthouse Bookshop, Edinburgh
Location:43-45 West Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9BZ
This bookshop offers alternative viewpoints on gender, the environment, current affairs, and revolutionary history. Originally opened as Word Power Books over 20 years ago, it provides a safe space for indie publishers and radical thinkers.
The shop stocks LGBT+ writing, poetry, and translated fiction. They organize the annual Edinburgh Book Fringe in August as a counter to the main Book Festival.
Staff host regular book groups and maintain a vibrant events program. The store earned a nomination for Scotland's Best Independent Bookshop in 2020.
35. Golden Hare Books, Edinburgh
Location:68 St Stephen Street, Stockbridge, Edinburgh, EH3 5AQ
This beautifully curated independent bookshop in Stockbridge hand-picks every title. The ever-changing selection covers all genres from cookery to travel, picture books to science fiction.
The shop aims to delight readers young and old. Staff regularly host author readings featuring writers from across the UK and beyond.
You'll find both fiction and non-fiction carefully chosen to represent quality rather than quantity. The store has become a beloved fixture in the Stockbridge neighborhood.
36. Thistle Books, Glasgow
Location:The Courtyard, 55 Otago Street, Glasgow, G12 8PQ
Operating in Glasgow's West End since 1998, Thistle Books offers well-organized second-hand treasures. The shop tucks away down an alleyway off Otago Street.
Unlike some chaotic used bookshops, Thistle takes pride in its order. You'll find well-stocked history and crime sections plus extensive literary criticism for local university students.
The shop also features an impressive collection of sheet music for various instruments. This unique combination makes it stand out among Glasgow's bookshops.
37. The Bookhouse, Broughty Ferry
Location:41 Gray Street, Broughty Ferry, Dundee, DD5 2BJ
This family-run independent bookshop in Broughty Ferry serves Dundee and the surrounding area. The store stocks thousands of titles across many genres from general fiction and crime to children's and young adult books.
Customers praise the prompt service and excellent packaging. Staff excel at tracking down rare titles and hard-to-find books.
The shop opens six days a week, Monday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. You can order online for delivery or collection from the shop.
38. Topping & Company, St Andrews
Location:7 Greyfriars Garden, St Andrews, KY16 9HG
The Telegraph named this one of Britain's top independent bookshops. Robert and Louise Topping opened the St Andrews location in 2014 as one of three Topping bookshops.
The beautiful store features tall bookshelves filled with the latest releases, many signed by authors. Cozy couches and tables invite you to sit and read.
Free tea and coffee are available while you browse. The shop hosts regular readings, signings, and monthly poetry nights. Over 50,000 titles fill the shelves.
39. Aye-Aye Books, Glasgow
Location:350 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JD
Located in the Centre for Contemporary Arts, Aye-Aye serves as Glasgow's only specialist contemporary art bookshop. The store stocks publications from independent publishers worldwide.
You'll find a large range of work by contemporary Scottish artists. The selection includes fiction, poetry, magazines, journals, cultural theory, and music.
The shop also offers world cinema DVDs and sound art. Prices range from 50p pamphlets to £30+ monographs.
40. Category Is Books, Glasgow
Location:34 Allison Street, Glasgow, G42 8NN
Co-owners Charlotte and Fi Duffy-Scott run Scotland's only LGBT+ bookshop. This wife-and-wife team opened Category Is in 2018 to celebrate queer stories.
The shop stocks new and second-hand books, magazines, graphic novels, comics, zines, and badges focused on the LGBTQIA+ community. All are welcome whether you want to buy books, learn about the community, or get a haircut from their queer-inclusive barber.
A Pay It Forward fund helps provide access to books for those in need. The shop represents one of only seven LGBT+ bookshops in the United Kingdom.
People Also Ask
How Many Bookshops Are In Scotland?
Recent industry counts put Scotland at a little over two hundred bookshops in total. The number shifts as shops open, move, or close, but the scene is still strong.
Why Is Wigtown Famous For Books?
Appointed as Scotland's national book town in 1998, Wigtown is home to a number of wonderful bookshops, all of which come in various shapes and sizes. You'll find brand new bestsellers next door to piles of secondhand tomes, with a room out the back dedicated to rare and antiquarian titles.
Why Do Books Have 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1?
Why do you see 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 on the copyright page of many books? that tells you it is the fourth printing. It is very common for a publisher to print only a few thousand copies of the book in the first printing. If that first run sells out, then a second printing is ordered to fill demand.
Do Scottish Bookshops Run Events?
Yes. Many host author talks, children’s story times, book clubs, and local festivals. It’s a big part of why these shops matter.
Final Thoughts
These 40 Scottish book stores show how rich Scotland’s book world still is, from grand old spaces to small local gems. Each one offers something special, whether you want rare finds, new voices, or just a quiet place to browse.
If you’re travelling, let a few of these shops shape your route. If you’re local, try one you haven’t visited yet. Supporting bookshops keeps stories, writers, and communities alive and you might walk out with your next favourite read.
Jump to
Where To Find The Best Scottish Book Stores (40 Great Stops)
1. The Bookshop, Wigtown
2. Leakey's Bookshop, Inverness
3. Topping & Company, Edinburgh
4. Voltaire & Rousseau, Glasgow
5. The Edinburgh Bookshop, Bruntsfield
6. Main Street Trading Company, St Boswells
7. This Way Up, Dundee
8. Young's Interesting Books, Glasgow
9. Caledonia Books, Glasgow
10. The Old Aberdeen Bookshop, Aberdeen
11. Yeadon's Of Elgin
12. The Portobello Bookshop, Edinburgh
13. Tills Bookshop, Edinburgh
14. McNaughtan's Bookshop, Edinburgh
15. The Wedale Bookshop, Stow
16. Border Reader Bookshop, Melrose
17. Bookpoint, Dunoon
18. Atkinson Pryce Books, Biggar
19. Inkspot & Silverleaf Booksellers, Bo'ness
20. Curly Tale Books, Wigtown
21. Looking Glass Books, Edinburgh
22. Bouquiniste, St Andrews
23. J&G Innes Ltd, St Andrews
24. Yeadon's Of Banchory
25. Logie Steading Bookshop, Forres
26. Stirling Books, Stirling
27. Tackle And Books, Tobermory
28. Carmina Gadelica, Portree
29. Ullapool Bookshop, Ullapool
30. Highland Bookshop, Fort William
31. The Watermill, Aberfeldy
32. Armchair Books, Edinburgh
33. Hyndland Bookshop, Glasgow
34. Lighthouse Bookshop, Edinburgh
35. Golden Hare Books, Edinburgh
36. Thistle Books, Glasgow
37. The Bookhouse, Broughty Ferry
38. Topping & Company, St Andrews
39. Aye-Aye Books, Glasgow
40. Category Is Books, Glasgow
People Also Ask
Final Thoughts
Callum Fraser
Author
Callum Fraser isn't just a writer about Scotland; he's a product of its rugged landscape and rich history. Born and raised in Perthshire, with the Highlands as his backyard, his love for the nation's stories was kindled by local storytellers and long walks through ancient glens.
This passion led him to pursue a degree in Scottish History from the University of Edinburgh. For over 15 years, Callum has dedicated himself to exploring and documenting his homeland, fusing his academic knowledge with essential, on-the-ground experience gained from charting road trips through the Cairngorms, hiking the misty Cuillins of Skye, and uncovering the secrets of traditional recipes in his family's kitchen.
As the Editor-in-Chief and Lead Author for Scotland's Enchanting Kingdom, Callum's mission is simple: to be your most trusted guide. He combines meticulous research with a storyteller's heart to help you discover the authentic magic of Scotland — from its best-kept travel secrets to its most cherished traditional recipes.
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