AS Peebles businesses have reopened following 18 months of lockdown, one book shop is looking forward to the future with a new owner.

Priorsford Books on the Northgate reopened last week under new management, and Emma Davey – who has taken over the second-hand shop – says the “future is looking brighter”.

“Its been such a difficult 18 months for everyone,” she said, “especially in retail, that it’s always positive to see shops opening their doors again, especially when some haven’t been so lucky.

“The future is definitely looking brighter!

“And I think with lockdown, there has been a renewed interest in books and reading and I think people, if they are able to, enjoy buying from local, independent shops.”

READ MORE: Borders woman makes 'a bit of history' by taking on 121km River Tweed challenge

And it’s not only a love of books that 34-year-old Emma – who grew up in the town, but now lives in Edinburgh – is bringing to Priorsford Books, but also a wealth of knowledge in the conservation of paper.

She said: “I have always had a passion for books, which was only reinforced by working with them so closely through my work, and it really is a dream come true to be able to open my own second-hand bookshop.

“I studied Architectural History at the University of Edinburgh as my undergraduate degree where I did a lot of research on historic maps, plans and books.

“Working so closely with these collections, inspired my decision to go and do my Masters degree in the Conservation of Fine Art, specialising in paper, at Northumbria University.

“Since then, I have been fortunate to have worked with historic collections in Edinburgh, the wider UK and abroad.”

READ MORE: Writers, thinkers, diplomats and politicians to appear at Beyond Borders Festival

Priorsford Books stocks a range of second-hand and nearly-new books, as well as book related prints and gifts.

Emma told the Peeblesshire News that running a business in her home-town was important to her.

She said: “I grew up here [Peebles] and went to school here, and I know it’s a really popular town.

“The local shops, a lot of them are independently owned, and I think that is an attraction for visitors as well.”

For more information, visit www.priorsfordbooks.co.uk or find the shop on Facebook