Historic Edinburgh bookshop remains closed for second week following flash floods
A power cut caused the city’s oldest bookshop to shut its doors
Edinburgh’s oldest bookshop remains closed for a second week after flash floods forced the store to shut and caused a power outage.
The Blackwell's branch on South Bridge closed on 21 August after heavy rainfall transformed the city centre street into a river, with water seeping into the historic building.
Repair works are ongoing, but the bookseller has been unable to confirm an exact reopening date.
A spokesperson said the shop would reopen “as soon as it is safe and practical to do so”, advising customers to check social media for updates.
Those who placed an order or reservation for collection at the over 150-year-old store have had their deadlines extended until Monday, September 7.
The outage meant the bookshop missed out on foot traffic from the final week of the city’s International Book Festival, and staff will be hoping they can reopen the store before students return this month.
South Bridge’s shops and vaults frequently fall victim to flooding, with nearby nightclub Cabaret Voltaire having to close completely more than six times in recent years due to water leaking in from the street’s pavement.
Blackwell’s sits on the site of Edinburgh’s oldest bookshop, James Thin’s, which first welcomed readers in the 19th Century.
The family-run store was purchased by bookselling giant Blackwell’s back in 2002 and has continued to serve the city’s student population ever since.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank customers for their patience while the work is completed,” the spokesperson said.