The Old Bookshelf was established by David and Davina Tomlinson in 2000 as an internet mail order business. In 2003 with over 10,000 books online they opened a "bricks & mortar" shop in an conservation area in the heart of historic Campbeltown which they ran until September 2006 when they passed the torch to Cindy Byrne and moved to Durham where David is realising his dream of studying theology.
Originally from the USA, Cindy moved to Dublin, Ireland in 1980. A life-long book enthusiast, in 1996 she started An-Eye-For-Books as an internet-only business. But Cindy's dream from the age of 9 was to own a physical bookshop. Although she loved Ireland, the book market there was already crowded and she felt that the United Kingdom offered more opportunity, so she had been looking for a bookshop in the UK for several years. But she had very specific requirements; a historic village with a strong sense of community where the sound of birdsong was louder than the sound of traffic, and somewhere where people read and valued books. The peaceful and friendly community of Campbeltown was a perfect opportunity.
In the few minutes a day when she isn't occupied by her book business Cindy's passions include music, all kinds of craft and archaeology, and she is a prominent organiser within the community of readers of Dorothy Dunnett's historical novels, having helped to organise international readers meetings in Dublin and Malta.
Since taking over the shop she's embarked on a number of improvements, both inside and out, which make it easier to move around and browse the stock. Starting in May she is planning a series of author-signings. But the the most important things about The Old Bookshelf haven't changed with the change in ownership - all visitors are assured of a warm welcome and 15,000 books to browse.
Company details
Vat Reg No: 808866881