Lockdown prompts Falkirk charity to launch 'pay what you can' online bookshop

The Seagull Trust Cruises Bookshop was launched in The Howgate Shopping Centre in October as a way of raising funds for an organisation which provides canal cruises for anyone with special needs, and the elderly.

However, the coronavirus lockdown announcement in January put a spanner in the works.

Given the difficulties facing many, its volunteers opted to create a website that enables customers to pay what they like for titles to keep them occupied while much of society remains shut.

The bookshop has also signed up to Falkirk BID’s free delivery service, meaning both the charity and readers can save money during these unprecedented times.

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Offering around 2000 books, from thrillers to biographies, the store passes on each donation to Seagull Trust Cruises.

Marjory Sime, Seagull Trust Cruises Bookshop and Art Gallery manager, said: “With the bookshop being closed, we’ve started a website.

“People can go on there and decide that they want to pay, so we’re serving the community and making it affordable. Not everyone can afford to spend £8 on a book.

“We’ve got something like 2000 books online – we’ve been working like Trojans!

“We have everything from crime and autobiographies to a children’s section and the range is developing.

“It’s going really well. We started the online service during lockdown and only opened in October. When lockdown started we put a call out on Facebook saying, ‘If you need books, just give us a shout’.

“We’re sending out a good handful every day all over the Falkirk area.

“Those who don’t have internet access can always give us a call on 07935 238 113.

“We can post books as well – just log on, tell us what you need and we’ll get it.”

Volunteers have also held online raffles in an attempt to raise cash for the organisation, with just over £1000 generated by one draw in January alone.

Seagull Trust Cruises is a charity funded solely by donations and grants.

To find out more information, visit the charity’s website or Facebook page.

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