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11 Mar 2025

Edinburgh’s literati turn out for Trust’s new book shop

Written by Paul Williams
A man dressed in 18th-century costume holds up a pair of glasses on a stick and reads a small book held out in front of him. He wears a red riding jacket with a white cravat. He is sitting at a writing desk by a basement window.
Below Stairs Books gives pre-loved books a new chapter of life and supports the timeless tradition of storytelling.
A host of Edinburgh’s literary talent turned out to celebrate the launch of a new second-hand book shop at the Georgian House on Charlotte Square.

The launch of Below Stairs Books coincided with World Book Day (6 March) and saw well-known Scottish authors including Sara Sheridan, Michelle Sloan and Caroline Young attend an evening soirée to show their support for the new venture at 7 Charlotte Square, cared for by the Trust.

We developed the new shop, nestled in the atmospheric servants’ quarters of the grand Georgian New Town house, to demonstrate our commitment to sustainability, giving pre-loved books a new chapter of life and supporting the timeless tradition of storytelling.

A second-hand book shop is housed in a basement room of an old house with wooden floors. The room appears to be lit by candles and oil lamps, with a special display of books surrounded by fairy lights.

Claire Grant, National Trust for Scotland Operations Manager for Edinburgh, said: ‘We’re delighted with the launch of our new second-hand book shop, Below Stairs Books, and had a great time welcoming our guests during a special evening to celebrate the opening on World Book Day.’

Quote
“The Georgian House has a rich history at the heart of Edinburgh’s literary and cultural heritage and has witnessed centuries of stories, secrets and connections to Scotland’s literary past.
From surprising ties to celebrated authors including Robert Louis Stevenson and J M Barrie, to its role in Edinburgh’s historical fabric, the house is steeped in tales waiting to be discovered.”
Claire Grant
Operations Manager

Claire continued: ‘Our guests joined us for a celebration of literature, history and sustainability in one of Edinburgh’s most iconic settings, where they were able to explore the house and its fascinating literary pedigree and browse our curated collection of second-hand books.’

Below Stairs Books is open daily to the public between 10am–5pm.

Expand image 1: A small writing desk, covered in a white lace cloth, stands beside a window in a basement room. Shelves of books line the walls of the room, which is lit by candles. A life-size cardboard cutout of an 18th-century man stands in the corner. Expand image 2: A smiling woman, with glasses perched on her head, holds a quill whilst sitting at a small writing desk in a basement room. A framed silhouette of Walter Scott is on the wall behind her, lit by an oil lamp. Expand image 3: A group of 5 people are pictured in a basement room with a yellow wall, with 4 standing in a row behind one woman who is sitting down, holding an old leather-bound book. They are surrounded by books and book shelves.

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