Back in 2003, Kevin and Jayne Ramage discovered a derelict mill in Aberfeldy in the Scottish Highlands. So enchanted were they by this listed building that they went on to open The Watermill, a bookshop, art gallery and coffee shop. The Watermill won the prize for the Bertrams Independent Bookshop of the Year in 2008.
We’d had a wonderful time exploring Aberfeldy, but our primary reason for visiting the town was to visit this famous bookshop and we certainly weren’t disappointed. It is said to have the largest range of titles in the Scottish Highlands and it is the perfect place to spend the afternoon browsing.
It is hard to pinpoint what is so special about this bookshop but perhaps it is the attention to detail. There is but one copy of each book which no doubt contributes to their ability to house a vast collection. The assistants were really friendly too and were quite happy to assist you in finding books.
The cafe is located on the lower level floor and opens up onto a veranda next to the old mill stream. I loved that you could still spot old bits of mill machinery about the building. It gives a lovely authentic feel to the whole bookshop.
There is an art gallery on the upper level of the building which is home to regular exhibitions. Being a fan of modern and urban art, I especially appreciated the pieces by Banksy and Blek le Rat.
As with most towns in the Highlands, you just need to peek down any side street to see breathtaking scenery. This is the view that you would enjoy if you sat beside the mill stream on the veranda and enjoyed a cup of coffee.
The Watermill
Mill Street
Aberfeldy
Perthshire
Scotland
PH15 2BG
I discovered this bookshop by accident about 5 years ago and loved it. The only thing I don't like is the fact it's so far away from home :-(
ReplyDeleteInteresting place for a bookshop!
ReplyDeleteLife and travelling
Cooking
wherever I go in whatever country one of my very favorite things to do is visit bookshops..
ReplyDeletethis one looks special indeed
have never been to the highlands but always more to look forward to and put it high on my list
anni
What a treat of a place! I think I could spend days here, blissful days here!
ReplyDeleteThanks for brining us here!
What a great little place
ReplyDeleteLooks like a nice place to spend a relaxing afternoon reading and drinking coffee. One by one bookstores here are disappearing and moving online so it's nice to see one still thriving.
ReplyDeleteGood books, original mill surrounds, good coffee, nice seating and perfect scenery outside! Sounds like you CAN pinpoint what is so special about this bookshop :)
ReplyDeleteBooks are cheaper in Britain than in Australia, PLUS I can find more European art and history books more easily than I can find here. So every second year in Britain, I buy up dozens and dozens of books and have them sent home by ship. There is no urgency for my new treasures - I can wait a few weeks.
It looks precious... if I plan a trip to Scotland I will include this... :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing...
Filipa
I would enjoy visiting this bookstore and art gallery, but being its owner would be a dream come true. What a good idea they had.
ReplyDeleteLooks like it could fit right in to "Hogsmead" village from Harry Potter series. They don't make them like that anymore :)
ReplyDeleteI love to browse in bookstores. Think I could spend hours in this one. Just sorry the store is on the other side of the world. Will have to start saving for a visit.
ReplyDeletesuch a lovely bookstore with a fabulous setting.
ReplyDeleteI would like to visit this place. Looks so calm and quite.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a good time over there. A taste of summer is over the southern part of my country:-)
So enchanting..what a charming post..how I would love exploring in there..so lovely to see the art too..
ReplyDeleteWishng you a beautiful Spring!
Victoria