"Is it a church? Bookstore? Cafe? It's LEAKEY'S!" Top 5 Page for this destination Inverness Things to Do Tip by JessH

For some reason this place seems to be almost somewhat of a little, well-kept secret - I have met numerous people who have visited Inverness and most of them had never heard of Leakey's before. So let me tell you about it!

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This is Scotland's largest second-hand bookstore. Opened in 1972 and formerly home to St Mary's Gaelic Church (built 1792), the historic premises are a perfect environment to browse through rows of tall wooden shelves stuffed with books on every subject imaginable.

We spent 2 rainy afternoons in Leakey's, trying to choose how much money we'd would and could spend, and on which books exactly. The wood burning oven near the entrance made the whole space even more inviting and cosier, if that's at all possible.
John found collections of all of Shakespeare's works, another on the history of the United Kingdom - leather-bound and over 80 years old! I spotted the entire collection of Jane Austin novels, as well as limited edition travel books from National Geographic... the choices are endless! Here, you can find anything from an antique book worth hundreds of pounds, right down to a tatty and used paperback novel for a couple of pounds that will make an entertaining read on your next train or plane trip.

We finally made our minds up & treated ourselves and purchased one of "the classics": 9 volumes (Folio Press) collectible edition of Sherlock Holmes novels for £130.-

Leakey's also stocks antique (guaranteed over 100 years old) prints, photographs and maps with prices starting from £65.- and up. I spotted a gorgeous antique pencil sketch of the apprentice pillar inside Roslin Chapel... maybe I'll get it next time!
The staff are very helpful and will try to assist if you are looking for something in particular.

Opening Hours: All year, Mon.-Sat. 10:00-17:00.
Throughout the day you can enjoy home-baked scones and various cakes with a lovely coffee or tea selection at reasonable prices.
Lunch menu (daily soup, sandwiches, salads, baked potatoes etc.) is served from 12 onwards.
The cafe seats approx. 40 people and also doubles as a small art gallery for local artists.

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"Let books be your dining table,
And you shall be full of delights
Let them be your mattress
And you shall sleep restful nights."
- Author Unknown

"Where is human nature so weak as in the bookstore?"
Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887)

"The man who doesn't read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them."
Mark Twain (1835-1910)

"Always read something that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it."
P. J. O'Rourke

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Address: Church Street, Inverness, Scotland - UK
Directions: Greyfriars Hall, Church Street.
Phone: 0044-(0)1463-239 947