Monday, 4 June 2012


What a find! And I don't know how I've missed it. Just back from having spent a few glorious days in Stoer in the NW Scottish Highlands. Scenery to feed the spirit and people to gladden your heart. En route, we stopped in Ullapool and, quite by chance, discovered The Ceilidh Place (www.theceilidhplace.com), a hotel, bunkhouse, restaurant, arts centre AND wonderful book shop. The latter is run by a woman called Avril who clearly knows her books from her biscuits. The best display of Scottish literature I've seen in any independent as well as a refreshing range of children's books in English and Gaelic. I've no doubt May's successful Ullapool Book Festival helps to keep the stock fresh and up to date. But what a pleasure to chat to staff who really know their books. I could have spent a fortune (and nearly did!). I'll definitely be back and, hopefully, take in the festival as well.