Wigtown

Wigtown, a charming town with a unique claim to fame: it is Scotland's National Book Town. But Wigtown offers much more than just a bibliophile's paradise. This historic town, steeped in heritage and a vibrant sense of community, caters to a diverse range of interests, from history buffs and nature enthusiasts to those simply seeking a peaceful escape.

Wigtown's history stretches back centuries, evident in its architecture and street names. The town's origins likely lie in the medieval period, with evidence suggesting a settlement existed by the 12th century. Wigtown was once a bustling centre for trade, thanks to its location on the River Cree and its role as the county town of Wigtownshire.

Wandering through Wigtown's streets is a journey through time. The town centre features a mix of architectural styles, each adding a layer to the town's narrative. Quaint Georgian townhouses with their distinctive sash windows stand alongside sturdy Victorian buildings, evidence of Wigtown's growth and development.

While Wigtown's past was prosperous, the 20th century brought economic challenges. The decline of traditional industries and the closure of the local Royal Air Force station left the town struggling. However, a remarkable transformation was on the horizon.

In 1995, a group of visionary individuals embarked on a bold initiative. Inspired by Hay-on-Wye, a town in Wales known for its second-hand bookstores, they envisioned Wigtown as a haven for used books. This audacious vision led to Wigtown being designated as Scotland's National Book Town in 1998.

This designation proved to be a turning point. Independent bookshops began popping up throughout the town, transforming Wigtown into a haven for used and rare books. Today, Wigtown boasts around 16 bookshops, offering a diverse selection that caters to every literary taste and budget. From well-loved classics to obscure first editions, there's something for everyone in this book lover's paradise. Indeed, despite having an already significant “to be read” pile at home, we bought another 5 books between us!

One of the book shops, The Open Book, featured on an episode of Secret Scotland with Susan Calman, the shop is famous as a place that people pay to stay at and run the book shop for a week or two. People travel from all over the world to do this and there is apparently a 3 year waiting list for it. The week before we visited it was being run by someone from Honolulu!

The pinnacle of Wigtown's literary calendar is the annual Wigtown Book Festival. Held over ten days in September, this festival attracts renowned authors, aspiring writers, and book enthusiasts from across the globe. The festival brings the town alive with a vibrant atmosphere of author talks, book signings, literary discussions, workshops, and fringe events.

Wigtown isn't just about books; there is also a small nature reserve on the banks of the River Cree, a market square and cross, a number of monuments and memorials to the Wigtown Martyrs and there is also a Wigtown Women's Walk a trail dedicated to the history and stories of the women of Wigtown.