If you enjoy browsing through independent bookshops for used books, this article is for you. In it, we’ve featured 10 top second-hand bookshops in Scotland.
1. Armchair Books
Situated in Edinburgh, Armchair Books is a family-owned bookshop dedicated to second-hand literature and books. This store is open every day until 6:30 pm to ensure all avid readers have a chance to pop in and browse their collections. Rare and new books are available here.
Alongside their Grassmarket-located store, Armchair Books deliver straight to homes too. See their online bookshop today to start browsing. If you have books collecting dust at home, this team will take them off your hands in return for cash.
Find the bookshop online here.
2. Thistle Books
If you’re in need of a second-hand bookshop in Glasgow, Thistle Books could be your next stop. This independent bookshop has been open since 1998, and the team is still providing stellar service today. Books can be bought and sold here, so pop by with your old books to see if the team needs any new stock.
Books available at Thistle Books include a range of genres, such as Scotting literature, Scottish history, and many more popular options. This team arranges books in alphabetical order, ensuring all customers can find their favourites with ease.
Contact the bookshop online here.
3. McNaughtan’s Bookshop
Another popular Edinburgh-based second-hand bookshop, McNaughtan’s Bookshop, is here to offer a cosy atmosphere and popular books titles. This shop has been in the business since 1957, and here visitors can enjoy a vintage atmosphere while browsing old and rare books – perfect for anyone looking for a specific book or collector’s items.
Genres available at this second-hand bookshop include historical books, novels, non-fiction, poetry, essays, science, religious books, and more. Classics, children’s books, and language books are also on offer. Aside from second-hand books, this shop also offers second hand typewriters and new books.
Visit the bookshop online here.
4. Voltaire & Rousseau Bookshop
Located in Glasgow, the Voltaire & Rousseau Bookshop takes second-hand and rare books seriously. If you’re looking for collector’s titles or specific old books, the team here is happy to help. Rare books, manuscripts, and Scottish history books are available here.
A wide range of genres can be found here, including history, literature, literary criticism, sheet music, comics, art, study texts, theology, and more. The team here also buys used books, so contact the staff online or in-store to see if your books can update in their collections. See the team’s details online today.
Find the bookshop online here.
5. Leakey’s Bookshop
Based in Inverness, Leakey’s Bookshop is a used bookshop that’s open from Monday to Saturday to ensure all curious visitors have time to pop in. With over four decades of experience, this team knows everything about old and new books. Whether you want a recommendation or to browse, this store can help.
The books at Leakey’s Bookshop are only available to browse in person. However, their rarest titles and antiquarian books can be found on the AbeBooks marketplace. With over 8000 books listed online and thousands more in-store, visitors are always spoilt for choice.
Contact the bookshop online here.
6. Bouquiniste Books
Bouquiniste Books is a St Andrews-based bookstore that specialises in used and second-hand books. Since 1982, this team has been buying and selling books and postcards to impress and enchant visitors. With a large collection and ever-changing shelves, this is a great place to browse.
Here you’ll find antiquarian books, Scottish books, Scottish arts, children’s books, paperbacks, novels, and more. If you’re looking to sell books, contact the team online before bringing your books in. The Bouquiniste Books team accept specific genres, including classics, history, art, and more.
Visit the bookshop online here.
7. Old Aberdeen Bookshop
Searching for a second-hand bookshop in Aberdeen? Make sure the Old Aberdeen Bookshop is on your list. This team has over two decades of experience in literature and second-hand books, making them local experts in all-things books. Plus, this team strives to sell their books at affordable prices and cheaper than high street bookshops.
When you visit the Old Aberdeen Bookshop, you’ll find books on Scottish literature, local history, modern novels, classics, academic literature, and more. Hardbacks and paperbacks are available here. With over 7,000 books in the collection, there’s an option for all readers.
Find the bookshop online here.
8. Priorsford Books
If you’re located in the Peebles area, Priorsford Books is the second-hand bookshop for you. This independent shop sells second-hand and ‘nearly new books’ to all visitors. While most options are only available in-store, the team has an additional AbeBooks shop for online browsing.
The pre-loved books here span all genres and interests. This includes poetry, biographies, art, maps, music, annuals, religion, Scottish history, and more. Alongside books, Priorsford Books also offer prints, book-related accessories, gifts, and tote bags. Visit the team online to learn more now.
Contact the bookshop online here.
9. The Book Shop
Based in Wigtown, The Book Shop provides one of the largest second-hand book collections in the country. Here you’ll find approximately 100,000 second-hand books, making the bookshop paradise for keen readers. Alongside in-store shopping, customers can purchase books online with easy home delivery.
The books at this shop cover all ages, subjects, and niches. Whether you want to get stuck into a biography or find a recipe in a cookbook, this shop has options for you. Other book genres include fiction, art, antiquarian, children’s, foreign languages, humanities, non-fiction, poetry, and Scottish history.
Visit the bookshop online here.
10. Pitlochry Station Bookshop
The Pitlochry Station Bookshop specialises in second-hand and used books from Platform 1 of Pitlochry station. This non-profit bookshop gives all books profits to six different charities, and the shop is operated by volunteers. Most books here are priced at £1, making it an affordable shopping option.
Books available here cover all genres. From gripping fiction to rare non-fiction texts, there’s always a new story to keep readers turning the pages. Plus, donations are always welcome, so you can give the store some of your old texts.
Find the bookshop online here.