A SELF-CONFESSED “book addict” has taken the plunge and opened an independent bookshop in East Linton.

Rebecca Wall, who previously managed an art gallery in London, moved to the village shortly before lockdown.

Now, she has taken the reins of her mum’s former antique shop on Bridge Street and opened Night Owl Books.

It offers fiction and non-fiction books for both adults and children, with a particular focus on wildlife and the natural world.

The 34-year-old said: “It was quite spur of the moment.

“For a while, I have really wanted to open a space to be a little community hub and show artists and hold workshops.

“I used to manage a bookshop in London and worked in one as a Saturday job as a teenager and I absolutely loved it.”

And she added: “There has been such a revival in independent bookshops over the last couple of years. There are quite a few in Edinburgh, which I absolutely love, and I got the opportunity to use the space and thought I would really love to open a bookshop.”

Planning for the shop began last autumn, with the whole family involved in transforming the premises.

Since moving to the area, Rebecca has been loving the local flora and fauna.

She added: “I don’t drive and the places we could get to were all on foot. We were discovering the beautiful countryside and we have the Linn waterfalls just down the road. There are so many beautiful birds, hares, deer – everything!”

Night Owl Books also stocks a selection of cards and gifts by independent makers from throughout East Lothian and beyond, including handmade candles from Olive Atelier, Haddington; natural soaps made in North Berwick by Castaway Scotland; and cards and tote bags by East Lothian designer Fiddy & Mabel.

The local connections continue with takeaway filter coffee roasted in East Linton by Hometown Coffee and a wide selection of teas.

Rebecca, who lives in the village with fiancé Chris, said: “East Lothian has so much talent. I was taking photographs of all the amazing local entrepreneurs, makers and artisans delivering things; there is so much talent here.”

The bookshop is also running a series of book club meet-ups and events, including an upcoming needle felting workshop with The Crafty Kit Company.