August 27th 2024.
Since its grand opening in August 2014, Wigtown's unique Open Book Airbnb bookshop has captured the hearts of tourists worldwide. Located in the stunning National Book Town of Scotland, in the remote and tranquil Galloway region, this charity-run venture has welcomed nearly 450 guests over the years. The diverse map on the wall stands as a testament to the bookshop's global appeal, with visitors hailing from as far as Hawaii and Beijing.
As the years have passed, the volunteer-run bookshop has gained such popularity that it now has a two-year waiting list for eager individuals hoping to run their own bookshop for a short period of time. Joyce Cochrane, from the nearby Old Bank Bookshop, warmly greets each guest and offers them a tour of the charming town before featuring their pictures on a local Facebook group. She explains, "The Open Book has been a way for us to open our doors to the world, and in return, the world has been coming to Wigtown. And they absolutely love it." Joyce also makes sure to spread the word about new guests on social media, often with a message that reads, "Wigtown, weave your magic," and indeed, it does.
One memorable instance of the bookshop's magic occurred when a group of visitors revealed their love for traditional music. Before they knew it, they were joined by talented local musicians, creating a lively and impromptu music session. The most recent guests, Tracy and Richard Vine from Chelmsford, first discovered The Open Book through a TV program and have now made their third visit. Tracy shares, "We were immediately drawn to the concept - a holiday where you get to run your own bookshop, it's truly one of a kind. And the best part is, there are no strings attached. You can enjoy your time here however you please." Richard, an IT consultant, adds, "We enjoyed it so much that we had to come back. It's the incredible community here that makes it so special. We've made some great friends and we just love it."
The idea for the Open Book bookshop was sparked by author and filmmaker Jessica Fox, who fell in love with Wigtown and made it her home. Her vision was to promote Scotland's National Book Town and raise funds for the Wigtown Festival Company and the town's annual book festival. Jessica explains, "The inspiration for Open Book came from my own adventure, which led me to stay in a bookshop in Scotland's National Book Town. I thought others would appreciate the opportunity to do the same." She credits the success of the bookshop to the support of the community, the dedicated volunteers, the building owners, Rosemary and David Bythell, and the Wigtown Book Festival.
During its early days, the bookshop only covered its costs. However, as time passed, it began contributing around £10,000 a year to the Wigtown Festival Company's charitable activities. With public sector support dwindling and the recent loss of Baillie Gifford sponsorship, the festival organizers have been working tirelessly to raise funds for the festival, outreach programs, and staff salaries. This is especially challenging in Galloway, one of the most economically disadvantaged areas in rural Scotland, where initiatives like the Book Town and festival were created to promote social and economic growth.
Adrian Turpin, the Wigtown Festival Company's Artistic Director, emphasizes the significance of the Open Book bookshop in raising the profile of Scotland's National Book Town. He notes, "Its story has spread around the world and has brought a renewed sense of energy and creativity through the numerous talented booksellers who have walked through its doors." For more inspiring cultural stories, be sure to check out our Culture section and subscribe to the latest issue of Scottish Field.
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