'It wasn't a dream!' – Ullapool Bookshop opens a new chapter with Independent Bookshop of the Year award shortlisting
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AN acclaimed Wester Ross business has been selected as a Scottish finalist of the British Book Awards 2023 Independent Bookshop of the Year.
The accolade for Ullapool Bookshop comes at a time when organisers of the award say independents "are entering a new golden age for bookselling" as they emerge from the pandemic and Brexit "closer to their communities and stronger than ever".
The bookshop, which maintains a strong social media presence, this morning tweeted: "It's the weekend and no, yesterday wasn't a dream, it really happened."
It had earlier greeted the "fantastic news".
Fifty-nine independent publishers have been selected across nine different regions and countries as finalists for The British Book Awards 2023 Independent Bookshop of the Year.
The bookshops will compete to win their region first, which will be announced on March 16, before contending for the overall prize, announced at The British Book Awards winner ceremony at Grosvenor House on May 15.
Related: Ullapool Bookshop celebrates sale of 500th copy of local hit
Ian Rankin helps Ullapool Bookshop hit the heights on Twitter
Authors who love the store had previously helped it grow its Twitter following rapidly during one concerted push.
Inspector Rebus creator Ian Rankin pointing out the shop is conveniently located across the road from a bar and fish and chip shop, adding: "Ticks my boxes!"
Fellow crime writer Liam McIlvanney tweeted his support all the way from New Zealand with a photograph of himself outside the shop and the comment: "Fabulous shop. Look forward to returning some day."
Manager Katharine Douglas has been inundated with good wishes since the news broke.
Author John McLellan posted: "Great to be getting such strong book industry recognition for the shop that customers already appreciate so much."
The 2023 Scotland finalists for The British Book Awards 2023 Independent Bookshop of the Year are:
Ullapool Bookshop | Ullapool
Far From the Madding Crowd | Linlithgow
Minerva’s Emporium | Kingussie
The Book Nook Stewarton | Stewarton
The Edinburgh Bookshop | Edinburgh
The Mainstreet Trading Company | Melrose
The Portobello Bookshop | Portobello
Timberbooks | Overton
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