Bookshop Joy

Waystone Books - a new independent bookshop on the Isle of Skye

As an avid book reader I’m always deliriously excited at the prospect of a bookshop. Even more so when it’s a tiny, independent bookshop that’s just opened on the island.

I try to support small bookshops as much as I can because I know how tough it can be for small businesses these days when buying from Amazon is so widespread and easy.

But Amazon don’t care a fig about books, whereas those that run bookshops absolutely do. I know who I’d prefer to give my money to.

We hadn’t planned a trip to Waystone Books yesterday, but the weather dawned cold, blustery and sleety, and I didn’t feel like sitting about indoors all day. We made a very impromptu decision to go during a short break in the weather, so we grabbed a scarf and waterproofs and bundled Toby into the back of the car for the drive to the north of the island.

Waystone Books is a small, independent bookshop in Dunvegan, in the north west of the island. As soon as you open the door to the warmth and quiet of the shop you know that you’ll find something good. Someone is brewing coffee and there’s a plate of home baked biscuits on the counter.

Although small, the collection of books is thoughtfully curated with something for everyone, with tempting table displays, a couple of comfy seating areas for reading, lots of books by local authors, a good selection of maps and a collection of gorgeous greetings cards.

Husband picked up a Gollanz SF Masterworks book, being a keen Sci-Fi reader, and the very knowledgeable and friendly staff chatted happily about it to him whilst we paid.

Only Toby let the side down by whining distractedly to complain that there were neither sticks, dog snacks nor balls in the room and therefore it wasn’t his idea of doggy fun. We told him that it was high time he became a book dog because bookshops were likely to factor bigly in his future as part of this family.

He did not look impressed.

If you’re on the island and fancy an hour of happy book browsing in warm and friendly surroundings do check out our newest bookshop. Let’s keep them thriving. It’s well worth the trip.