What do you get if you turn a church into a bookshop? No, it’s not a joke question, even if it does sound like one of those terrible riddles you find in a Christmas cracker. The answer is: Leakey’s Bookshop in Inverness.
Often hailed the most beautiful bookshop in Scotland, and quite possibly the UK, I couldn’t wait to explore inside.
A paradise for bookworms
Back in 1982, Leakey’s stock was spread out in two small shops in Inverness, a small city in the Scottish Highlands. This set up wasn’t practical at all so they started looking for a new premise. They found it and in 1994 they began the process of converting an old Gaelic church into their present business. Today, Leakey’s is one huge, magical bookshop.
Little changes have been made to the building since its days as a place of worship. From the outside it appears like a regular church complete with pretty stained glass windows. It’s not until you step inside that you realise everything isn’t how you imagined it would be.
At first glance, it’s a treasure trove of second-hand books, maps, and prints. All the things you might expect inside a bookshop. However, the more you look around the funnier things get. Quirky and interesting features start to appear. I mean, it’s not everyday you walk inside a bookshop only to find a wood-burning stove and a pulpit.
Inside Leakey’s Bookshop
If it weren’t for a day of sightseeing ahead, I could easily have sat by the cosy fire all day just reading and occasionally getting up to peruse the aisles.
Adorned with comfy chairs and a stove fire surrounded by freshly chopped wood, it’s easy to forget this is even a shop. It feels and looks more like the home of a retired school professor.
Many features of the church still exist, including the pulpit, so you have constant reminders that you’re in a church. My ever-silly friend, and never one to miss a photo opportunity, got up to pretend to give a sermon. He always wanted to be an alter boy.
I’m not sure if the shop keeper saw – probably not since he had his nose buried inside a book. Anyway, I tried my best to hold back the giggles.
Getting cosy
It’s incredibly cosy inside. The whole place feels like an invitation for you to curl up and make yourself at home with one of the many second-hand books available to you.
To my surprise and great delight, I even spotted goose eggs for sell inside. How cute! This definitely added to the charm of being inside an independent bookshop and brings a whole new meaning to ‘shop local’.
Leakey’s Bookshop spans across two floors joined together by a stunning spiral staircase. The top floor would have been the choir area but now books are scattered everywhere, from top to bottom, left to right, and arranged thematically.
One of the charming things about second-hand bookshops lies in what you might unexpectedly find. It could be a first edition or a cover you’ve never seen before.
What I love the most is opening up a book and seeing it inscribed with Birthday wishes from decades ago, or finding an old postcard wedged between the pages. It’s not only the author who’s telling a story, sometimes it’s the previous owner of a book.
I ended up leaving with A Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, a play I feel I ought to have read by now, and my brother bought a collection of poems by T.S Eliot.
Leakey’s bookshop is a treasure chest waiting for to be discovered. And it’s certainly the best place to visit on a rainy day in Inverness.
If you find yourself in the Scottish Highlands, this place is located fittingly on – wait for it – Church Street. It should not be missed, especially if books are your religion!
General Information
Address: Church St, Inverness IV1 1EY.
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 5.30 pm
See their website for up-to-date information: www.leakeysbookshop.com
Looking for more literary locations and bookshops around the world? Read more below:
- 14 Most Beautiful Bookshops in Europe
- Word on the Water: the Boat That Transformed into a Bookshop in London
- Discover London’s Literary Locations – Alternative City Guide
4 responses
Thanks for this heads up! I’m planning a trip to Scotland next year and I shudder to think that I might have missed this gem!!
Hi Benji! Oou this post is timely for your planning and researching stage then! Haha, I love your use of the word shudder. Indeed, it would be a travesty to miss this gem out 😉
One of many of the world’s gems that I’ll visit, thanks to you!
Was there last Saturday. Loved it, I’ll be back. Maybe check your times? I don’t think it opens on a Sunday.