New Edinburgh bookshop 'Choose Books' pays tribute to Irvine Welsh and Trainspotting
Trainspotting-inspired book shop settles in thanks to local support
A film buff has opened a new book shop in Edinburgh, drawing inspiration from one of the city’s most famous literary exports.
Choose Books on Newhaven Road, on the junction with Ferry Road, opened its doors around a month ago, taking its name from the ‘Choose Life’ term taken from the Trainspotting movies, which were of course based on the novels by Edinburgh’s very own Irvine Welsh.
Packed with hidden treasures, the shop has plenty of nods to Trainspotting including orange seating, with the bookshop sign cleverly designed with a Trainspotting font and orange background.
Also selling nostalgic and collectable items such as Star Wars figures, as well as CD’s, video tapes, vintage toys, vinyl and a range of quirky items, the shop was opened by South African man Shaun Baskind, who has enjoyed a career in the film industry, but is now happy in his second book shop.
Shaun, who worked in art departments while in the film industry, explained that his new shop is in honour of the Edinburgh writer behind Trainspotting.
He said: “It’s obviously a tribute to Irvine Welsh, and us being in Leith. When I think of Edinburgh I think of Trainspotting and Irvine Welsh. It’s a catchy name and has a cult following. The name just seemed right.
When I think of Edinburgh I think of Trainspotting.. It’s a catchy name with a cult following. It just seemed right
“I think the name has helped business. My first book shop, in Johannesburg was called Ballard Books named after JG Ballard. I have been doing this on and off for the last 30 years, while still working in the film industry.
“Irvine is one of the top authors of all time. We actually met him once, he is in our circle of friends. So I imagine he knows about our shop, it would be lovely if he came to see us.”
Shaun, who moved to “cultural hub” Edinburgh with his production designer wife five years ago, was quick to thank locals for helping him settle in at Choose Books.
He said: “It started off very busy but it’s plateaued a bit. Being in this location you get people bringing in stuff from their lofts. And I try to hunt for treasure at car boots, charity shops and on eBay.
“We take books, records, comics, vintage toys, VHS, CDs, posters, just a bit of everything really. Whatever I find on the day I’m having a look.
“Almost all of our books are bought from charity shops, but now we have been here a month we have people bringing stuff in and book donations from locals.
“We have had a lot of support from the local community, which has all been really appreciated.”
Choose Books is at 126 Newhaven Road, and open Tuesday - Friday, 9am-3pm, and 9am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday.