Buzz
For those who have fantasized about owning a quaint bookshop in a charming town brimming with book enthusiasts, the opportunity has arrived. The Open Book in Wigtown, Scotland, offers a unique Airbnb experience where guests can immerse themselves in the life of a bookseller. This residency program provides full access to the bookshop and an apartment above it. For just $38 per night, participants can take charge of the shop's daily operations, from managing finances to arranging displays.
Supported by a team of volunteers and staff, the residency is designed to promote and educate about the joys of running an independent bookstore. Margi Watters, a visitor from Philadelphia, shared her experience: "The bookshop holiday is a vibrant, social, and inspiring getaway for both experienced booksellers and newcomers like myself. The freedom to personalize the shop allows each guest to leave their unique mark and truly engage with the project."
Beyond the bookshop, Wigtown offers a wealth of activities for literature enthusiasts. Recognized as Scotland's National Book Town in 1998, this small community of 900 residents boasts over a dozen book-related businesses and hosts the annual Wigtown Book Festival, scheduled this year from September 23 to October 2. Here are some must-see attractions in Wigtown.
THE OLD BANK BOOKSHOP
Once serving as the Customs House and Bank, The Old Bank Bookshop now houses five rooms filled with secondhand fiction, regional history, rare books, and a unique collection of sheet music and art history volumes.
READINGLASSES
ReadingLasses stands out not only for its selection of new and pre-loved books but also for its delightful café. Visitors can enjoy a meal or a cup of tea in the cozy café at the back or relax in the front reading areas surrounded by literature. The vibrant pink store further distinguishes itself by focusing on works authored by and about women.
GLAISNOCK CAFE AND GUEST HOUSE
The Glaisnock is a versatile spot in Wigtown, combining books, food, and lodging under one roof. While their book selection is modest, focusing on affordable secondhand fiction ($1.50 paperbacks!), their menu shines with a variety of locally-sourced dishes. From classic fish and chips to traditional haggis with neeps and tatties, and a tempting array of desserts, there's something for everyone. On the first Saturday of each month, they host Drink, Read, Relax, featuring special discounts on beverages, snacks, and books.
CURLY TALE BOOKS
Curly Tale Books
As the newest gem in Wigtown, Curly Tale Books caters to the town's younger audience. Operating as both a publisher and a physical store, it boasts a wide range of children's and young adult books, including their own publications. The shop frequently hosts storytime sessions and activities for kids, making it a lively hub for young readers.
BYRE BOOKS
Tucked away from the town square and nearly engulfed by lush greenery, Byre Books is a hidden gem. Once a cow shed (or "byre" in Scottish) until 2000, it now houses a curated collection of books focusing on folklore, archaeology, and history.
THE BOOKSHOP
The Bookshop, Wigtown's largest and most iconic bookstore, evokes the charm of the Hogwarts Library. Boasting over 100,000 used books, it is Scotland's biggest secondhand bookstore, offering a labyrinth of ever-changing titles. The owner, known for his disdain for e-readers, even has a playful video of burning Kindles. With rows of Penguin classics, rustic ladders for high shelves, cozy reading nooks, and a fireplace with recliners, this shop is a book lover's paradise. Don’t miss the spiral staircase! For a piece of its magic, join The Random Book Club and receive a surprise secondhand book monthly.
BELTIE BOOKS AND CAFE
Conclude your Wigtown bookshop tour at Beltie Books and Café. This cozy spot offers a modest selection of secondhand books, primarily nonfiction with a Scottish focus. Pair your visit with coffee or tea while admiring astronomical photographs of the night sky, captured from Galloway Forest Park.
COMMUNITY SHOP
After exploring Wigtown's bookshops, make sure to visit the Wigtown Community Shop, a charity store located across from The Open Book. While it offers the usual thrift store finds, it also features a dedicated room filled with donated books, organized by genre. All proceeds support local Wigtown initiatives.
When you need a break from browsing books, head to Craigard Gallery, The Bookend Studio, or Historic Newspapers for a refreshing yet book-themed experience. These shops, though not focused on selling books, offer items inspired by literature and print. From jewelry crafted from old book pages at The Bookend to beautifully letterpressed journals, each store celebrates the town's love for books. Even the local pub has a cozy book corner!
Our final and most distinctive stop is a visit to Christian Ribbens, a local bookbinder. What started as a hobby restoring old book bindings turned into a profession when Ribbens moved to Wigtown and took over the retiring bookbinder's tools. From his home workshop, he now restores bindings for clients across the UK, specializing in heirloom family Bibles and antique books.
While these businesses operate year-round, the highlight of Wigtown is the annual Wigtown Book Festival, a 10-day autumn event. Thousands flock to the town for literary, musical, theatrical, and artistic events featuring international authors and speakers. No matter the season, Wigtown offers endless delights for every book enthusiast.
All images provided by Celeste Noche.
