Books galore at Wigtown

Wigtown is Scotland’s national book town. We were due to have a couple of nights there exploring, but had to cut the holiday short by a day and this was the place that missed out. A shame, as it was small but fascinating with a rich history (there’s the remains of a castle, apparently, as well as a harbour dating from the time when it was a vibrant port). And of course, there are the books.

I didn’t think to count the book shops, but there must have been at least eight, possibly more, in what is in reality quite a small town. Some looked very esoteric, others rather more approachable, but all stuffed to the rafters with volumes and volumes of reading material.

By the time we arrived it was late afternoon and most were shut, but we managed a really good rootle inside one which had pillars outside the door, a fire, cosy reading nooks, and even a flying skeleton playing the violin! I treated myself to a second-hand copy of a Harry Dresden mystery I’d not read before, while Dave picked up a couple of sci-fi anthologies. So we were both very happy bunnies.

Not only does the town have book shops, but also a series of book-themed benches. I loved this one which really made me think.

The following morning we marched down to the old harbour (now disused) in a downpour, then drove out along the amazingly atmospheric and wild Galloway coast in torrential rain and a gale. I have a feeling we’ll be back!

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