Latimer Books (Kelso)

Tucked away in a small street off the main square in Kelso is Latimer Books, be sure not to miss it when you visit one of the Border's most lovely towns. The square in Kelso has the feel of a small French town but that's where the similarity ends; everything else about Kelso is pure Borders.

Latimer Books have been open less than a year but have already established themselves as a great little local bookshop. They cater for everyone with a well thought out range of books and of course, as they're quick to point out, they can order their customers any book they want. Run by Norman and Jane you know on first talking to them that here are two people who love books and despite, or perhaps because, off being new to selling books they have unbounded enthusiasm for what they are doing. Having worked in the hotel trade they know a thing or two about service and this is just one of the factors that makes them a shop worth visiting.

They are very supportive of local authors and regularly hold author events that feature writers from the Borders. I went there one morning when they had a signing with two men, John Stuart who has a medical background and Bill Goodburn whose former life was mixed up with the law. . .in the right way of course. They have a wonderful little book called Double Vision – A second look at life that features John's Haiku verse and Bill's lovely pen and ink drawings.

Publisher's deadline
writer's block
putting his head on it

Norman and Jane are quick to say, "If you like that, you'll love this." Before producing a book off their shelves; just the right sort of people to be running a bookshop.

As an added bonus they are located in Mill Wynd, which not surprisingly leads to a mill. Owned by Heaths on a site that was once where the old mill of Kelso Abbey stood. Hogarth’s supply the best oats for porridge that you'll find anywhere.


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