A Scottish independent bookshop has been named the best in the region.
Edinburgh’s Book Lovers Bookshop was crowned the Scotland winner at The British Book Awards 2026, putting it in the running for Independent Bookshop of the Year.
Winners from nine regions and countries across the UK and Ireland will compete for the overall title, to be announced at the awards ceremony in London on May 11.
Book Lovers Bookshop is the UK’s first bricks-and-mortar store dedicated entirely to romance fiction and was established in 2024.
The crowdfunded, queer and disabled-owned shop has quickly attracted attention for its carefully curated stock and welcoming atmosphere.
Tom Tivnan, deputy editor of The Bookseller, praised this year’s winners.
Mr Tivnan said: "The through-line of them all is energy, innovation, entrepreneurship and having the skills to be both digitally savvy and customer-focused."
Meryl Halls, managing director of Booksellers Association, said: “As we celebrate the National Year of Reading in the UK, the role independent bookshops play in championing authors, inspiring reading for pleasure and bringing communities together has never been more important and relevant.
"It’s fantastic to see revealed this year’s regional and country winners - whose passion, creativity and commitment reflect the very best of the immeasurable value independent bookshops bring across the UK and Ireland.”
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The awards, known as ‘The Nibbies,’ have celebrated the best in UK bookselling since 1990 and are judged by industry experts, authors, journalists and celebrities.
This year’s winners were selected from a shortlist of 76 finalists, with judges praising the bold, creative and community-driven spirit of independent bookshops.
Other winners from around the UK included Griffin Books in Penarth (Wales), Truman Books in Farsley (Northern England), and The Book Hive in Norwich (Eastern England).
The overall winner of Independent Bookshop of the Year will receive a £5,000 prize from award sponsor Gardners and will be shortlisted for Book Retailer of the Year.
