Celebrate World Book Day with these 5 great bookshops in the Highlands

Independent bookshops are at the heart of our communities, and the Highlands are home to some wonderful literary havens.

According to national charity The Reading Agency, 25 per cent of UK adults started reading more during lockdowns and have continued after the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.

So, to celebrate UNESCO's World Book Day on April 23 and make sure you have a great book by your side to mark the day, here are a few great bookshops where to peruse and get great reading recommendations across the region.

Leakey's Bookshop, Inverness

One of the Highland capital's landmark attracting crowds of visitors every year, Leakey's Bookshop is a gem in the city.

Founded by Charles Leakey in 1979, Scotland's second largest second-hand books moved to its current premises in an old kirk in 1994.

You can spend hours browsing its shelves, with some great finds to be discovered among books of all sorts and ages.

If you are lucky to be here during winter, you may find the wood burning stove to welcome you.

Ullapool Bookshop

Located nearby the harbour, Ullapool Bookshop is a great place to visit – whether you are a local or a visitor about to set off on an island trip.

If you happen to visit during the village's popular book festival in May – which will run for the last edition this year – you'll find signed copies and might meet some of the authors taking part to it.

They also host great events with local authors during the year and have a brilliant selection of literature from and about the Highlands.

The Bookmark, Grantown-on-Spey

This small, independent bookshop located on the high street of Grantown-on-Spey was shorlisted among the best one in Scotland in 2022.

Opened in 2007 by owner Marjory Marshall, this is another great place where to look out for local authors and hosting lovely events throughout the year.

The Nairn Bookshop

A well-known landmark on Nairn's high street, the Nairn Bookshop has been the go-to place for book lovers for around three decades.

Its former owners were also the people who started the popular Nairn Book & Arts Festival.

The shop is still strongly tied with the event and offers a great selection of local literature.

Nairn Bookshop is also currently in the process to change ownership so if you get a chance to go and meet the lovely owner Mavis Macdonald, you should visit soon!

Dornoch Bookshop

Last but not least, we head north to visit the lovely Dornoch Bookshop.

Another beloved place for book lovers in the region, the store is located next to the cathedral, and it can feel to step back in time wandering around the historic buildings that surround the store.

Another great wee place to keep an eye on for events with local authors.

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